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The synergistic effect of lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) corrosion and fretting on the damage of a 316 stainless steel was thoroughly investigated. The interaction between the LBE corrosion and fretting plays a key role in materials damage. The dissolution of Ni element leads to a large number of vacancies, lattice defects and built-in internal strain, making the material itself more prone to damage during the wear. Additionally, the shear strain induced by fretting can break the oxide layer formed during friction, leading to the exposure of new materials. This study can provide essential information on damage of heat transfer tubes. [Display omitted] • The dissolution of Ni results in the transformation of the substrate from austenite to ferrite, accelerating the fretting. • Shear strain breaks the oxide layer leading to the exposure of new materials to LBE, accelerating the corrosion. • The synergistic effect between LBE corrosion and fretting accelerates the damage of materials. • This work can rich the data of the investigation on the damage of the heat-transfer tubes in nuclear power plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]