REFLECTOR: Fixed Gear Nose Gear Shock Replacement

Wed May 21 18:01:01 CDT 2008

I recently had to 'snug' the bolts down that hold my nose gear because 
it was starting to creak a little bit when the gear would get a bit of 
side loading. I would love to see a photo of the finished product if 
anyone ever gets a chance. I know it's a tough spot to maneuver in down 
there!

Dave

Matt Bucko wrote:
> I helped Kevin install his into Deception. The part fig well inside 
> the keel on the rear of the canard bulkhead. We did micro on a pad 
> after taping up the part. The pad let us level the part easily. The 
> upper part of the landing gear was compressed into the rubber so there 
> was zero play when unloaded. Even with the nose lifted, the gear leg 
> is still in compression in the rubber block. The captivator was 
> re-secured, holding the leg into the new position. The rake of the 
> nose piece was at spec.
> The only difficulty we had was getting the top bolt in. It is a 2 
> person job. The leg top needs to be pressed into the rubber, the nose 
> gear top needs to be placed between the bushings, the top bolt put 
> in.... all at once...normal building sequence!
> Matt
>
>     -----Original Message-----
>     *From:* reflector-bounces at tvbf.org
>     [mailto:reflector-bounces at tvbf.org]*On Behalf Of *Andy Millin
>     *Sent:* Tuesday, May 20, 2008 8:54 AM
>     *To:* 'Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list'
>     *Subject:* REFLECTOR: Fixed Gear Nose Gear Shock Replacement
>
>     For those of us that fly with the gear “down and cured” …
>
>     If you have worked on the nose gear of the FG, you probably know
>     there is a rubber bumper used as a shock absorber on the nose gear.
>
>     Like several other parts, this was a “found part.” It is an
>     automotive engine mount that seemed to fit the bill.
>
>     I have not flown yet, so I can only relate what I have been told.
>     The rubber portion of the mount is sandwiched between plates of
>     steel. When compressed, the steel will deform and does not relax
>     to the original shape. The bent steel introduces slop. Over time,
>     possibly a lot of slop.
>
>     I am told that Velocity has recommended replacing the shock, or
>     shimming from behind. Shimming will remove the slop, but not the
>     original problem. The steel may deform even more.
>
>     A small group of builders/owners has taken up the task of finding
>     a new option.
>
>     The original research was done by Jorge Bujanda.
>     http://www.jbujanda.com
>
>     He located an industrial bumper. It is not a sandwich. It is a
>     rubber pad mounted to a steel plate. Jorge’s son is an engineer
>     and ran the numbers for suitability. His analysis showed it would
>     be an excellent replacement.
>
>     Since it was not a proven solution, we didn’t think it wise to
>     recommend it to anyone. We wanted to get our hands on it and try
>     it first.
>
>     The new part was ordered and installed by Kevin Steiner (SELW/FG)
>     and Bruce Topp (XL/FG). The new part mounts vertically on the
>     canard bulkhead. The retaining strap on the current bumper is
>     discarded.
>
>     The pad is hard but flexible. Taxi tests revealed the new shock
>     must be installed under compression. Both Kevin and Bruce
>     fabricated shims and adjusted the force so the gear leg would stay
>     firmly held with a two passenger load in the front. Kevin did this
>     by standing on the canard bulkhead and checking for any gap. I
>     couldn’t to this. I’m pretty sure I would shoot a knee cap across
>     the shop. I’ll have to find another way. :)
>
>     Once installed, the new shock has taxied, flown, and landed
>     beautifully. There has been no sign of deformation or slop. It
>     appears to be just the right thing.
>
>     The manufacturer of the bumper is an industrial supplier.
>     Unfortunately, the smallest run they make of the product is in the
>     thousands. At the time the part was located, they had just 17 left
>     on the shelf with no plans to make more.
>
>     Gary Paxton (SE/FG) ordered the last of the bumpers this weekend.
>     He reported back that the manufacturer said this has become a “hot
>     item” and they were going to tool up and make more. :) There
>     should be enough for anyone that wants one.
>
>     Jorge spoke with Scott Swing and they will be getting one. If they
>     see them same results, this might become the standard part.
>
>     I will be installing mine soon. I will try to post pictures of the
>     installation on my site.
>
>     If you are interested in making this modification, here is the info:
>
>     ADVANCED ANTIVIBRATION COMPONENTS
>
>     2101 Jericho Turnpike
>
>     New Hyde Park, NY 11042-5416
>
>     Tel: 516 328-3662
>
>     Description Rectangular Bumper
>
>     Part Number V10Z 7-1011
>
>     Their catalog can be found here:
>     http://www.punchtools.com/PDFSupplies/V100.pdf (6 MB download)
>
>     The part is listed on page 126. There is a picture. Dimensions are
>     also given.
>
>     You can call and order it directly. The cost is around $50
>     (including shipping).
>
>     Andy
>
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>
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-- 
Dave Philipsen
Velocity STD-FG
N83DP