BLUF: Landing gear struts and the stabilator actuator rod should be lubed every 40 hours to prevent landing gear problems.
Courtesy Photo
This article initially appeared in PS 706 (Sep 11), p.25
Mechanics, ignoring Black Hawk shock strut inspections means you’ll pay the price sooner or later. Clean and lube the struts and actuator rod every 40 hours like it says in the “Lubricate Landing Gear Shock Strut” and “Lubricate Stabilator Actuator Assembly” chapters for the UH-60A/L, UH-60M and UH-60V aircraft maintenance manuals.
You’ll save yourself time and energy and your unit lots of down time and repair dollars if you do PM now rather than extensive repairs later.
If the struts are left unchecked, dirt and crud build up and can get into the seals. When that happens, the gunk can cut or weaken the seals, causing hydraulic leaks.
Use a little hydraulic fluid, MIL-PRF-5606, applied to a clean cloth and a little elbow grease to clean the struts. This will prevent a buildup of dirt, crud and corrosion.
Clean lower stabilator actuator rod and tail wheel strut
While you have your cloth and hydraulic fluid out, take time to clean the tail wheel strut and lower stabilator actuator rod. If there is surface corrosion on the actuator rod, remove corrosion with abrasive mat, NSN 5350-00-967-5089. Then wipe them down with the cloth and fluid.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated from the original to bring it current and for accuracy and clarity.