Brake Hose

[Rob58]

Any opinions on the best option for flexible brake hose? Replacing 30 year old hoses. When my gear retracts it creates a fairly tight loop so I need something flexible. Thanks!

 

[Jdm]

Take the hoses in question off. Label, package, and ship to a good aircraft hose shop. I like using Aero Hose Shop in Granite City, IL. They’ve helped me make many sets over the years. Never once had a problem. They will custom make whatever you need.

 

[Snowmass]

And my brake hoses are 57 years old and doing fine. But I put Granville Strut Seal in ALL my C-210 hydraulic systems. It replaces lost plasticizer in all rubbers from hoses to 'O' rings And I have only replaced 'O' rings once in 57 years. Airplane rubber has very lazy life compared to automotive.

 

[Stewartb]

Your mechanic can’t make Aeroquip hoses?

 

[Rob58]

I like using Aero Hose Shop in Granite City, IL. They’ve helped me make many sets over the years. Never once had a problem.

Thanks for the lead...I will call these guys. My situation is that I don't like the fit and configuration of the existing brake hoses. With the gear retracted a section of the hose is hanging down in the slipstream and this is definitely not what I want. Primarily I am looking for a hose type that allows for a small bend radius. Thanks for the feedback!

 

[Domenick]

https://www.aircrafthose.com/

 

[Bell206]

Primarily I am looking for a hose type that allows for a small bend radius.

FYI: keep in mind changing the hose lengths and radii can have an effect on the mechanical flexibility and internal fluid dynamics of the braking system. Perhaps verify your existing hoses are routed properly per the OEM manuals.

 

[Rob58]

FYI: keep in mind changing the hose lengths and radii can have an effect on the mechanical flexibility and internal fluid dynamics of the braking system. Perhaps verify your existing hoses are routed properly per the OEM manuals.

Although the Bellanca is a certificated aircraft the quality of the manuals are abysmal, especially for the pre-'70s models. Sadly there are no diagrams or mechanical specs for any hoses. Not to mention that the design of the entire landing gear system is marginal from an engineering perspective. It would be impossible for me (or likely any living person) to confirm how certain features actually came out of the factory. In my case every maintenance event is an opportunity to make incremental improvements in the systems. Thus I really value feedback on questions like I posted on this thread. Your points about flexibility and fluid dynamics are noted and certainly will be considered.

 

[Bell206]

Although the Bellanca is a certificated aircraft the quality of the manuals are abysmal, especially for the pre-'70s models.

Welcome to aircraft maintenance 101. Just be thankful you have manuals as every little bit helps. There are a few older aircraft that have no mx manual or just a simple "operating manual" that contains the basic mx functions. When no mx instructions exist you should turn to AC 43-13-1B & 2B. That is the purpose of those ACs to give guidance to the mechanic so they can meet the performance requirements in Part 43.13.

It would be impossible for me (or likely any living person) to confirm how certain features actually came out of the factory.

True without the original design drawings. But with existing guidance you can definitely ensure things are close to original.

In my case every maintenance event is an opportunity to make incremental improvements in the systems.

FYI: While improvements can be good, you can also start yourself down a slippery slop toward crossing the major alteration line or worse. Then you start flirting with the need for approved data to make that improvement. Even changing your brake lines can get you close to that line. Not all aircraft are perfect.

 

[Silvaire]

In one of the old Aeronca POH's there was a section titled "Flight into clouds" and all it said was "Do not fly this aircraft into clouds"

 

[Rob58]

True without the original design drawings. But with existing guidance you can definitely ensure things are close to original.

My goal over the 45 years that I have owned Bellancas has been to retain the originality throughout, especially as it relates to airframe mechanicals. I have a pretty good handle on this. The lack of documentation is frustrating, but not a deal breaker.

FYI: While improvements can be good, you can also start yourself down a slippery slop toward crossing the major alteration line or worse. Then you start flirting with the need for approved data to make that improvement. Even changing your brake lines can get you close to that line. Not all aircraft are perfect.

Since there is not documentation on the brake lines, and my observation is that who ever replaced them in the '90s probably was less concerned than I am about doing it right, I have absolutely no baseline to go on. Therefore I do in fact refer back to 43.13 in addition to my best mechanical judgment. Not likely that there is an IA around that would be critical of the work I do on the aircraft. Your comments are really helpful and appreciated (and not just on this thread)!

 

[Let'sgoflying!]

Rob I wonder if those hoses have been changed with longer ones because of the old ‘cant risk making it shorter’ concept?
Maybe you could send a photo from the rear, retracted and extended?
I could compare with mine.

 

[Rob58]

Hi Dave... really appreciate the offer and I suspect you are exactly right. I will take a set of pictures this weekend. Part of the problem is that my plane was originally equipped with Goodyear brakes; the Clevelands were added later based on an STC and none of the documentation that I have provides any detail regarding hose length of the routing. I believe all of the early 17-30s came with the Goodyear brakes - not sure when the Cleveland brakes became standard equipment? If you could compare your hose routing to my, that would be very helpful! Pictures to follow.

 

[Bell206]

the Clevelands were added later based on an STC and none of the documentation that I have provides any detail regarding hose length of the routing.

Does the STC state to use the original brake lines or does the STC kit provide new brake lines? If the latter try contacting the STC holder for a drawing or dimensions of the lines.