Piper SARATOGA PA-32-301 Maintenance Manual page 71

PIPER AIRCRAFT
PA-32-301/301T
*MAINTENANCE MANUAL
SERVICING OLEO STRUTS.
Air-oil struts are incorporated in each landing gear oleo to absorb the shock resulting from the impact of
the wheels on the runway during landing. To obtain proper oleo action, the nose gear oleo strut must have
approximately 3.25 .25 inches of piston tube exposed. while the main gear struts require approximately 4.5
.50 inches of tube exposure.
- CA UTION -
Do not exceed these tube exposures.
These measurements are taken with the airplane setting on a level surface under normal static load (empty
weight of airplane plus full fuel and oil). If the strut has less tube exposed than that prescribed. determine
whether it needs air or oil by raising the airplane on jacks. With the strut extended. remove the cap from the air
valve at the top of the housing and depress the valve core to allow air to escape from the strut piston until it is
fully compressed. Allow the foam from the air-oil mixture to settle and then determine if oil is visible up to the
bottom of the filler plug hole. If oil is visible at the bottom of the hole. then all that is required is the valve be
checked for unsatisfactory conditions and air added as described in Inflating Oleo Struts. Should fluid be at
any level below the bottom of the filler plug hole. the oleo should be checked for leaks. etc.. and oil added as
described in Filling Nose Gear Oleo Strut for the nose gear or Filling Main Gear Oleo Strut for the main gear.
For repair procedures of the landing gear andor oleo struts. refer to Chapter 32.
- WARNING -
Do not release air by removing the strut valve core or filler plug.
Depress the valve core pin until strut chamber pressure has
diminished.
- CAUTION -
Dirt andforeign particlesform around thefiller plugs of the landing
gear struts, therefore, before attempting to remove these plugs, the
tops of the struts should be cleaned with compressed
air and/or with
a dry solvent.
FILLING NOSE GEAR OLEO STRUT.
To fill the nose gear oleo strut with hydraulic fluid (MIL-H-5606). whether it be only the addition of a
small amount or if the unit has been completely emptied and will require a large amount, it should be filled as
follows:
1. Raise the airplane on jacks until the nose wheel is completely clear of the ground. (Refer to Chapter
7.)
2. Place a pan under the gear to catch spillage.
3. If not previously accomplished. remove the engine cowl and relieve air from the strut housing
chamber by removing the cap from the air valve and depressing the valve core.
12-22-02
Page 12-07
1C23
Revised: August 11, 1983
1C23