Bought myself an early Christmas present.

[Challenged]

A strut pump. Didn't even know such a thing existed, but now I own one since apparently the strut seals on the Bonanza don't take kindly to the cold weather. Anyone have any tips on using this thing? I'm assuming I'm not going to need some sort of adapter to actually hook it to the strut.

 

[Lachlan]

All I know is that, according to what I heard on tv, if it stays pumped up for more than 4 hours you need to get it to your A&P right away!

 

[danhagan]

All I know is that, according to what I heard on tv, if it stays pumped up for more than 4 hours you need to get it to your A&P right away!

Where is that darn head slap emoji?

 

[Zeldman]

Anyone have any tips on using this thing?

You mean besides attaching the hose to the strut Schrader valve, then pull the handle up, push the handle down, repeat many times.??

(sorry, sometimes I can't stop myself....)

 

[Tantalum]

 

[GaryV]

I got mine from a bicycle site for around $30. It has a quick connect schrader valve that locks on and won’t release pressure from the strut when I remove it. It also has a gauge that makes it easy to get the pressure just right.

Just remember to have the strut fully extended when setting the pressure to whatever the setting is supposed to be for your plane.

 

[Hang 4]

Be careful. A true strut pump puts out 100’s of psi. An unjacked strut is under a lot of pressure. A bike pump won’t work unless the strut is extended.

 

[dbahn]

Isn't it best to inflate those with nitrogen? (Just asking, as usually I have the mechanic do it.)

 

[Timbeck2]

Isn't it best to inflate those with nitrogen? (Just asking, as usually I have the mechanic do it.)

Yes it is. Pumping regular air introduces water vapor into the strut.

 

[SoonerAviator]

Be careful. A true strut pump puts out 100’s of psi. An unjacked strut is under a lot of pressure. A bike pump won’t work unless the strut is extended.

I would imagine the "bike pump" he is referencing is the type used for mountain bike suspensions. They usually go up to around 300psi in capability.

 

[Morgan3820]

Isn't it best to inflate those with nitrogen? (Just asking, as usually I have the mechanic do it.)

I purchased a bottle of N2 and a regulator after my mechanic charged me $80.

 

[Doug Reid]

That is a pressure multiplier type pump. You still need an external source of compressed air. Pumping in regular air is ok if it is dry air...you do not want to introduce moisture in order to prevent rust inside the strut.

 

[mirage00]

I purchased this and it works great pumping nitro into my struts. No jacks required

https://bogertaviation.com/products/15x-strut-pump