REFLECTOR: Over Center Gas Strut

[HYTEC45 at aol.com]

The gas strut keeps the over center linkage over center only in the event  of 
a pump failure or pressure loss.  It is only utilized in manual  extension.  
While 9 years is probably to long (I check the force on the  strut at each 
annual by removing the strut and pressing down on a scale with  it), you have a 
problem somewhere else.  Either the hydraulic ram  adjustment needs to be 
extended, or there is binding somewhere in the  system.  The hydraulic ram should 
take the over center linkage all the way  to the fully locked position, while 
the pressure in the system will keep things  locked.
 
At least, during each annual, extend the gear IN FLIGHT using the dump  valve 
to insure they do indeed lock down.
TEC

How often dose  one have to change the over center gas strut on the
retractable nose gear  assy?

For the last three landings, I had to use my nose gear  locking
tool to pry the nose gear that last half inch before the light  would
come on.

According to my LogBook Pro records, I have roughly  492
landings (Cycles) over the last 9 years.




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