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Cadmium plate restriction for grease or oil lubricated parts

2006

Is there an issue of compatibility between cadmium plating and grease lubrication?

I have inherited responsibility for an old drawing that details a steel bolt with supports a rolling element bearing. The bolt has grease ports to lubricate the bearing only.

The NAS464 bolt comes with a bare shank and cadmium plated head and threads. It was pointed out that the entire bolt should be cadmium plated, but other finish specifications (e.g.: MIL-S-5002 para 3.5.1.2) restrict the use of cadmium plate for parts that are in contact with lubricating oils (grease?). Is this related to contamination of the lubrication, or degradation of the cadmium plate, or?

thanks,

Brian Kerluke
aircraft parts design and manufacture - Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada