Nose Wheel Assembly; Removal And Disassembly Of Nose Wheel; Inspection Of Nose Wheel Assembly; Repair And Replacement Of Nose Wheel Assembly - Piper PA-31-350 Maintenance Manual

PIPER AIRCRAFT
T-1020
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
NOSE WHEEL ASSEMBLY.
REMOVAL AND DISASSEMBLY OF NOSE WHEEL. (Refer to Figure 32-17.)
1. Place the airplane on jacks. (Refer to Jacking, Chapter 7.)
2. To remove the nose wheel, remove the axle tie rod nut, tie rod and axle plugs. Insert a 1-7/ 16 inch
diameter tube into the fork and tap out the axle from the wheel assembly.
3. Flex the fork enough to remove the wheel spacers and to allow the wheel to clear the fork assembly.
4. The wheel halves may be separated by removing the valve core and completely deflating the tire.
Break tire bead from wheel by using a mallet. Remove the wheel through bolts. Pull the wheel halves from the
tire by removing the wheel half opposite the valve stem first and then the other half.
- CAUTION -
Do not pry between the wheelflange and tire bead with sharp tools,
as this could damage the wheel and tire.
5. The wheel bearing assemblies may be removed from each wheel half by first removing the snap rings
that secure the grease seal retainers, and then the retainers, grease seals and bearing cones. The bearing cups
should be removed only for replacement.
INSPECTION OF NOSE WHEEL ASSEMBLY.
1. Degrease all parts and dry thoroughly.
2. Visually check all parts for cracks, distortion, defects and excess wear.
3. Check tie bolts for looseness or failure.
4. Check internal diameter of felt grease seals for distortion or wear. Replace the felt grease seal if
surface is hard or gritty. Lightly coat felt grease seals with SAE 10 oil. (Do not soak felts in oil.)
5. Check tire for cuts, internal bruises and deterioration.
6. Check bearing cones and cups for wear and pitting and relubricate per lubrication chart.
7. Replace any wheel casting having visible cracks.
REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT OF NOSE WHEEL ASSEMBLY.
The instructions for repair and replacement of the nose gear wheel assembly are the same as those given
for the main gear wheel.
32-42-03
Page 32-48
Revised: November 17, 1983
3F14