Hi Jim,
I am in process of removing my gear frame to repair/replace the bent bottom gear
pivot tube (present since my purchase, and likely made worse with my
side-loading
since), and short of replacing the frame, would like to strip and inspect
the entire frame.
How did you get the frame to un-bond from the epoxy tunnel bedding?
What method did you use to strip the paint/powdercoating?
Can you tell me if the Tubes are all 4130?
Thanks for your detailed pdf report of the cracks, added to my
inspection/reenforcing
list.
Cheers,
Pete
> On Nov 12, 2018, at 2:52 PM, h&jeuropa <butcher43@att.net> wrote:
>
>
> We discovered a potential safety issue and wanted to share this so others
> become
aware of the situation and can inspect their aircraft.
>
> We are in the process of our annual condition inspection on our mono wheel.
This year is extensive since motor mounts and bungee cord need replaced. After
being alerted by John Wigney of possible cracks in the lower tubes of the LG
frame, we inspected and discovered our frame is cracked like his. The cracks
are very difficult to find as they are somewhat hidden by the firewall and
behind
the vertical tubes of the frame. Using Johns photos, a strong light, and
magnifying glass, we were able to see a crack in the starboard tube. A photo
with our iPad actually gave the best indication of a crack. A dye penetrant
test confirmed the crack. The crack in the port tube wasnt evident until the
powder coat was removed. The attached document has good photos of Johns cracks.
>
> We removed the frame and had it repaired by an experienced A&P (FAA mechanic)
using techniques called out in AC 43-13. We reamed out the tubes and machined
a tube to be a tight fit similar to Mod 72 for the upper tubes except the insert
is the full length of the tube. The insert is welded to the original tube
with rosette welds, and the cracks were stop drilled prior to welding. One
bolt hole was elongated so we changed it to AN4.
>
> A side note, when we started to remove the LG frame, we found that some of the
mounting bolts were no longer tight. When doing your inspection, we suggest
you check these nuts and if any are at all loose, inspect very carefully for
cracks.
>
> Our mono wheel kit was purchased April 2000, kit A185 and has 975 hours.
>
> Jim & Heather
>
>
>
>
> Read this topic online here:
>
> http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=484894#484894
>
>
>
>
> Attachments:
>
> http://forums.matronics.com//files/181001a_photo_summary_of_landing_gear_frame_cracks_131.pdf
>
>
>
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