So I saw somewhere that Aeroshell #5 is called out for the nose fork swivel. I had to order it at ACS. Are people pretty much staying with that?
-Marc
Aeroshell Grease 5 is now obsolete - most are using Grease 22 in its place.
Aeroshell 5 is recommended for load bearings, such as wheels, etc. Aeroshell 6 is also a mineral based grease, but there are slight temperature differences. They are very similar, but have minor differences.
Here is what Shell says:
AeroShell Grease 5 is particularly effective for use as a wheel bearing grease, especially when landing speeds are high, and is suitable for the lubrication of aircraft and engine accessories operating at high speeds and at relatively high temperatures, e.g. magnetos, generators and starters. For the lubrication of rolling bearings which are required to start at temperatures as low as –23°C an adequate period should be allowed for the grease to channel.
AeroShell Grease 6 is a general purpose airframe grease for use in anti-friction bearings, gearboxes and plain bearings within the temperature range of –40°C to +121°C.
This whole grease thing is ridiculous. Aeroshell should be ashamed! For goodness sake, just tell me which grease to use. The transition from mineral based greases to synthetics seems to be giving them fits and, as a corporation, I don't think they are handling it well at all. As an end user, I'm completely, and thoroughly, confused!
the nose swivel is hardly a moving part compared to a spinning wheel bearing.
I lean toward just a sticky grease that won't run or ooze into areas I don't want ( like the washers)...so I used Lucas/Red Ram sticky #2 red stuff.
......
not rocket science in this application.....a crude hunk of pipe sliding over another hunk of steel...no big pressures or temps here.
my silly opinion, YMMV.
The real thing to watch for in grease is the thicker (lithium,lithium comples,Calcium,Aluminum Complex and "CLAY"). All mix ok, but Clay and anything else. Shell is a "Microgel" their trade name for "Clay". Be careful most grease are we find in Auto parts and in auto industry use Lithium base. If you mix clay and lithium the two grease will run until it is totally replace. Oil base mineral or synthetic, is not that important (except ester base, most European oil). Both Shell 5 and 6 are Clay base thicker,slightly different temp range. Lucas grease is not a good choose for a sub. I am speak strictly here about the Hartzell prop. For wheel bearings you can easy switch from one grease to other just make sure to purge all clay (Aeroshell) out when switching to a new grease. I would keep Aeroshell in the prop and use anything else on the wheels. You could also use the Aeroshell on the wheels. I like an Aluminum Complex for the wheel it is complete waterproof, something like StaLube boat trailer grease (blue). It like that feature. Clay base are average water resistant. Jusst my 3cent.