Gear Leg Bolt

[N2782C]

Gonna check the Main gear leg bolt that holds the gear into the gearbox. It's been a while. Anybody have a relatively easy way to do this? Can you just support the wing, get the gear off the ground on that side and remove the bolt and check it for wear or is it more complicated than that? What should I be looking for specifically?

Thanks,

[GAHorn]

Unless you have reason to suspect that bolt, I'd leave it alone (except I'd consider installing the Pponk beef-up, which would remove/replace that bolt anyway.)
Jack the airplane by the wings (use carpet/boards, and jack it just outside the strut attach,directly beneath the main spar), and with the wheels suspended in-air, give each gearleg a vigorous "shake" to determine the health of the "wedge"/blocks where the gearleg enters the fuselage. Open up the covers and look internally for evidence of corrosion in this area.
Then if you find things not good, tight, and corrosion-free.... then remove the bolts and call up to www.pponk.com .

[N2782C]

Thanks, George. Just curious as to why you wouldn't check the bolt.

[GAHorn]

What I said was...

Unless you have reason to suspect that bolt, ....

What I meant was... that except for a visual check of it, unless there was something to make me suspect it....(such as evidence of corrosion, or stress).... I'd not remove it for inspection.

[N2782C]

I can't seem to find when the 180 gear was installed and therefore do not know how long these bolts have been in there. I remember when I did the P-Ponk kit on my C180 that P-Pont had you send the old bolts back in if you would and they claimed that around 65% of them were unserviceable....at least that's what I remember...back in 1990. Mostly groove type wer I believe. So I thought maybe I migh want to check them for that. It shouldn't be too complicated from what I see but, then again, I'm not a mechanic and maybe there is a lot more to checking the bolts by pulling them out than meets the eye. Thanks.

[jrenwick]

If you're going to the trouble of taking the bolts out to inspect, why not simply replace them instead?

John

[GAHorn]

Yes, if you are determined to pull them for inspection, then I'd jack the airplane, pull the seats and floor inspection plates, and simply replace them. (If you're worried... it's a simple matter to have peace-of-mind.)

[N2782C]

Replacing the bolts was my intention if I was going to pull the old ones out. My original question was "just how much trouble is pulling them out?" What is the procedure? An AI will be doing the actual work with me helping out.

Thanks,

[GAHorn]

Replacing the bolts was my intention if I was going to pull the old ones out. My original question was "just how much trouble is pulling them out?" What is the procedure? An AI will be doing the actual work with me helping out.

Thanks,

Page 5-3, Para 5-5, of the 100 Series Service Manual describes the procedure. (You DO have the manuals for your airplane, don't you?)

Basically:
a) Remove the floorboard access covers, remove the screws and slide the external fairing and seal down around the spring, drain the hyd. brake lines and hoist the airplane.
b) Disconnect the brake line at the fuselage fitting.
c) Remove the shims and wedges, remove the attaching bolts and pry the shims/wedges out of the fuselage.
d) Remove the bolt, washer, and nut attaching the inboard end of the spring and pull the entire gear out of the fuselage. Note the shims and washers placed under the inboard end of the spring and mark them to be sure they are replaced correctly.

B-IPC pg50.JPG

[N2782C]

Yes, iI have the manual....thanks. I appreciate the info on the removal of the bolts. Will start it in May...too much fun down here in PHX this time of year versus Northern Illinois.