Nose strut quick fix, overlooked on annual

[Gone Flyin]

I spent the other day doing a thorough cleaning of my C150's nose strut. It was covered with oil and dirt. Since the cowling was still off from the annual (don't get me started) I figured it would be easier to work on, this way.

I noticed some side-to-side play in that middle linkage point, so I removed the cotter pin, castle nut and the bolt to take a look see. Both the top and bottom linkage points were solid. No play whatsoever so this was unusual, I thought.

This is what I found. That brass shim is not supposed to be around the bearing collar, it's supposed to have the same ID as the collar opening. It has been worn down to the point it's doing nothing useful.

The shim is .010 thick. You can buy them for $6 for a half dozen from one of the aircraft parts suppliers. I have some .01 brass shim stock, so I will make my own.

Check yours.

You may not need to order one of those strut rebuild kits if this is all it is.

 

[Magman]

If you want some excitement just push the Tail down..

Seriously; DON’T!

 

[Dan Thomas]

I spent the other day doing a thorough cleaning of my C150's nose strut. It was covered with oil and dirt. Since the cowling was still off from the annual (don't get me started) I figured it would be easier to work on, this way.

I noticed some side-to-side play in that middle linkage point, so I removed the cotter pin, castle nut and the bolt to take a look see. Both the top and bottom linkage points were solid. No play whatsoever so this was unusual, I thought.

This is what I found. That brass shim is not supposed to be around the bearing collar, it's supposed to have the same ID as the collar opening. It has been worn down to the point it's doing nothing useful.

The shim is .010 thick. You can buy them for $6 for a half dozen from one of the aircraft parts suppliers. I have some .01 brass shim stock, so I will make my own.

Check yours.

You may not need to order one of those strut rebuild kits if this is all it is.

So wrong (and dangerous) it's not funny. Get the service manual for your airplane. And a parts catalog. Is all this stuff being certified by your mechanic? It's not owner-maintenance stuff.

Like Magman says, pushing down on the tail with that link apart will result in some real mess and expense. Especially expense.

 

[A1Topgun]

That's the belly button nut. When you remove it there is nothing holding you ass on. Or the nose wheel strut in this case.