Corrosion Block Grease for Aircraft
Key Takeaways
- Corrosion is a persistent and potentially catastrophic threat to both GSE and aircraft – the FAA warns that under certain conditions it can progress in days or hours, making proactive prevention essential.
- The FAA recommends a formal corrosion control program built around a consistent cycle of cleaning, inspection, operational preservation, and lubrication – guidance that applies equally to ground support equipment and aircraft.
- On GSE, the most vulnerable components include towbar axles and bearings, tug grease fittings, HPU and GPU wheels and casters, and any component incorporating bearings – all of which benefit significantly from regular greasing with a high-performance product.
- Corrosion Block Grease from Lear Chemical is fully waterproof, dielectric, multi-grease compatible, and rated for both high and low temperature extremes – meeting NLGI GC-LB requirements and outperforming competitive greases by a 5:1 margin.
Its extreme pressure performance, thermal stability, and suitability for sealed-for-life applications make it particularly well-suited for the demanding conditions of aviation ramp and hangar environments. - Pilot John International carries Corrosion Block Grease in five sizes – from a 2-oz spot-application tube to a 35-lb fleet-servicing pail – with aviation specialists available to help you choose the right option for your operation.
Corrosion is one of the most persistent and costly threats facing both ground support equipment and aircraft. It works quietly – degrading metal surfaces, compromising component integrity, and shortening equipment lifespan – often before it's even visible to the naked eye. The good news is that with the right preventative maintenance and products, corrosion is largely manageable. Corrosion Block Grease from Lear Chemical Research Corporation is one of the most effective tools available for operators who take that responsibility seriously.
Understanding Corrosion on GSE and Aircraft
Corrosion occurs when metal surfaces are exposed to moisture, acids, alkalis, salts, or other atmospheric elements – triggering an electrochemical reaction that degrades the metal and produces rust. Left unchecked, even minor corrosion can cause parts to malfunction, compromise structural and mechanical integrity, and lead to costly, unplanned downtime for both equipment and aircraft.
The FAA takes the threat seriously. In its updated advisory circular on corrosion control (AC 43-4B), the agency notes that while corrosion is most often a gradual process, it can – under the right conditions – progress rapidly, in days or even hours, with potentially catastrophic results. The FAA recommends that operators and maintenance crews establish a formal corrosion control program built around a consistent cycle of cleaning, inspection, operational preservation, and lubrication.
On the GSE side, components most susceptible to corrosion include towbar axles and bearings, tug wheel bearings, grease fittings on tugs (such as tie rod ends, ball joints, and universal joints), wheels and casters on hydraulic power units (HPUs), ground power units (GPUs), and cabin pressurization units (CPUs), as well as electric motors and any component incorporating bearings. On aircraft, the FAA's AC 43-4B identifies particularly vulnerable areas including exhaust trail zones, battery compartments and vent openings, lavatories, galleys, doorways, cockpit floorboards, bilge areas, wheel wells, and landing gear.
Applying preventative maintenance to these areas before corrosion takes hold is one of the most cost-effective investments an operator can make.
Why Use Lear Chemical’s Corrosion Block Grease?
Not all grease is created equal – and when it comes to corrosion protection in demanding aviation environments, that distinction matters. Corrosion Block Grease, manufactured by Lear Chemical Research Corporation, is engineered specifically to deliver maximum protection under severe conditions. It performs across both high and low temperature extremes, making it effective in the wide range of environments that GSE and aircraft regularly encounter.
Corrosion Block Grease meets or exceeds the requirements of the National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI) Service Classification GC-LB – the benchmark for automotive wheel bearing and chassis lubricants, based on ASTM D4950 performance requirements. In head-to-head comparisons, it outperforms lithium and most synthetic greases, and Lear Chemical cites a 5:1 performance advantage over competing greases.
The product's properties make it particularly well-suited for aviation applications. It is fully waterproof and strongly resists water washout, which is critical in ramp environments exposed to rain, humidity, and wash-down operations. Its extreme pressure (EP) performance protects components under heavy load, while its thermal and oxidative stability means it won't run, bleed, or melt at high temperatures. For sealed-for-life applications – bearings and fittings that aren't regularly serviced – Corrosion Block Grease is an especially practical choice, as its longevity reduces the frequency of reapplication.
Corrosion Block Grease is also dielectric and non-conductive, making it suitable for electrical applications that require lubrication. It's multi-grease compatible, which simplifies conversion with no cross-contamination concerns. And for operations that require workplace safety and environmental standards to be met, Corrosion Block Grease is formulated to be both workplace-safe and environmentally friendly. It's no coincidence that it's the grease of choice for PJi's own skilled maintenance and service team.
Available Sizes
Corrosion Block Grease is available from PJi in five convenient sizes to suit any operation – from spot applications to fleet-wide servicing:
- 2-oz tube (25002)
- 3-oz cartridge (25003)
- 14-oz cartridge (25014) – fits standard grease guns
- 16-oz tub (25016)
- 35-lb pail (25020)
The Bottom Line
Corrosion doesn't wait, and neither should your preventative maintenance program. Whether you're protecting towbar bearings, tug components, or critical aircraft surfaces, Lear Chemical's Corrosion Block Grease delivers waterproof, high-performance protection that keeps your equipment reliable and airworthy.
Pilot John International® (PJi®) is proud to carry the full line of Corrosion Block Grease in all available sizes. Contact our knowledgeable aviation specialists by phone, email, or live chat to place your order or get guidance on the right size and quantity for your operation.
