Wheels; Removal And Disassembly Of Nose Wheel; Inspection Of Nose Wheel Assembly - Piper Navajo PA-31 Service Manual

7-40. -WHEELS.
7-41. REMOVAL AND DISASSEMBLY OF NOSEWHEEL. (Refer to Figure 7-13.)
a. Place the airplane on jacks. (Refer to Jacking, Section II.)
b. 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.
c. Flex the fork enough to remove the wheel spacers and to allow the wheel to clear the fork
assembly.
d.
The wheel halves (1 and 2) 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 (3). 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 wheel flange and tire bead with sharp
tools, as this could damage the wheel and tire.
e. The wheel bearing assemblies may be removed from each wheel half by first removing the snap
rings (10) that secure the grease seal retainers, and then the retainers (8), grease seals (9) and bearing cones
(7). The bearing cups (6) should be removed only for replacement. See Paragraph 7-46a for bearing cup
replacement instructions.
7-42. INSPECTION OF NOSE WHEEL ASSEMBLY.
a. Degrease all parts and dry thoroughly.
b. Visually check all parts for cracks, distortion, defects and excess wear. (Refer to latest revision of
Piper Service Bulletin No. 700.)
c. Check tie bolts for looseness or failure.
d. 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.)
e. Check tire for cuts, internal bruises and deterioration.
f. Check bearing cones and cups for wear and pitting and relubricate per lubrication chart.
g. Replace any wheel casting having visible cracks.
Revised: 3/11/81
LANDING GEAR AND BRAKE SYSTEM
2F22
PIPER NAVAJO SERVICE MANUAL