Pa-28-151 struts

nrp wrote:

You could try brushing some STP on the outside of the exposed strut.
It is amazing how a tiny amount of STP will reduce elastomeric seal
friction for many cycles, but it will probably have to be replaced
(rebrushed) every few weeks. From my experience in hydraulics, it
would cut friction easily in half for many cycles.

Good idea. Better yet, add a little STP to the hydraulic oil next time
the strut is overhauled. Dry graphite powder works, as well.

Happy Flying!
Scott Skylane

"Gus Cabre" wrote in message
...
I have a sticky main strut in my Pa-28-151. My engineer has suggested
changing the o-rings and valves of both struts. I was curious about the
whole structure and have looked everywhere in the internet with no luck Any
suggestions where I could find them?

Gus


Dear All,

Thanks for the replies.

Jay, I live in England and this winter is turning out to be quite warmish.
So it's not the cold this time. In fact, she started sticking last summer.
But as mentioned, by jiggling it before taxying, or just turning around bend
on the way to the active, she would unstick. It wasn't a real problem until
just before Xmas. As I was getting in, a friend jumped on. We are both
biggish and I felt that strut give way. It sunk more than normal.

The inspection has revealed that it practically lost all its nitrogen. And
now there is a tiny leak.

A friend of mine, an engineer for the UK PFA, something like your EAA, had a
look and reckons the o-rings have "gone". He suggests changing them and the
valve (!?). Hence, I will take it to my engineer but wanted to read more
about the thing.

Once again, thanks for your help.

Gus
EGWE

You could try brushing some STP on the outside of the exposed strut.
It is amazing how a tiny amount of STP will reduce elastomeric seal
friction for many cycles, but it will probably have to be replaced
(rebrushed) every few weeks. From my experience in hydraulics, it
would cut friction easily in half for many cycles.



In the "old days" (WWII), they sold sealed envelopes with a pad soaked
in 5606 hydraulic oil especially for the purpose of keeping the strut
oiled up. After some time, it was determined that keeping the polished
struts oiled up and hanging in the breeze actually attracted more dirt
and bunged up the seals anyway. So, the practice was discontinued.
Go figure
Mike

Jay, I live in England and this winter is turning out to be quite warmish.
So it's not the cold this time. In fact, she started sticking last summer.
But as mentioned, by jiggling it before taxying, or just turning around bend
on the way to the active, she would unstick. It wasn't a real problem until
just before Xmas. As I was getting in, a friend jumped on. We are both
biggish and I felt that strut give way. It sunk more than normal.

The inspection has revealed that it practically lost all its nitrogen. And
now there is a tiny leak.

A friend of mine, an engineer for the UK PFA, something like your EAA, had a
look and reckons the o-rings have "gone". He suggests changing them and the
valve (!?). Hence, I will take it to my engineer but wanted to read more
about the thing.


Ahhhh. Now that you mention that one has gone flat, that puts a
different complexion on the discussion.

A common technique to extend the life of a leaking seal that really does
work is Granville Strut Seal. It is a bit of a chore to get the stuff
into the struts, but most report that it does work well and can extend
the life of leaking/sticking seals by several years. I actually used it
to seal up a NEW nose strut seal job.

It is relatively inexpensive, but then again so are a new set of seals
and labor. And yes, it is recommended that the valve cores are replaced,
if not the valve bodies too.

Good Luck,
Mike

Mike,

Thanks for the advice. The engineer has suggested changing the seals and
valves. However, I am concerned with the fact that a new set can stick
relatively soon again. Oh well, we might then have to buy the Granville
Strut Seal.

Once again, thanks to all for the advice.

Gus
England

"Mike Spera" wrote in message
...


Jay, I live in England and this winter is turning out to be quite
warmish. So it's not the cold this time. In fact, she started sticking
last summer. But as mentioned, by jiggling it before taxying, or just
turning around bend on the way to the active, she would unstick. It
wasn't a real problem until just before Xmas. As I was getting in, a
friend jumped on. We are both biggish and I felt that strut give way. It
sunk more than normal.

The inspection has revealed that it practically lost all its nitrogen.
And now there is a tiny leak.

A friend of mine, an engineer for the UK PFA, something like your EAA,
had a look and reckons the o-rings have "gone". He suggests changing them
and the valve (!?). Hence, I will take it to my engineer but wanted to
read more about the thing.


Ahhhh. Now that you mention that one has gone flat, that puts a different
complexion on the discussion.

A common technique to extend the life of a leaking seal that really does
work is Granville Strut Seal. It is a bit of a chore to get the stuff
into the struts, but most report that it does work well and can extend the
life of leaking/sticking seals by several years. I actually used it to
seal up a NEW nose strut seal job.

It is relatively inexpensive, but then again so are a new set of seals and
labor. And yes, it is recommended that the valve cores are replaced, if
not the valve bodies too.

Good Luck,
Mike