Shock Strut Wear

A forum about all aspects of the construction and maintenance of the Billy Dawson inspired modified Hatz Classic biplane. Here is the place to ask your questions and get the answers from the real experts.
jwhanson
Posts: 96
Joined: Tue Mar 16, 2010 11:55 pm

Shock Strut Wear

Post by jwhanson »

A couple years ago there was a post on the forum (CB-1 or Classic) regarding wear on the bolts holding the compression springs. I couldn't find the previous post so I am starting a new topic just as a heads up.
At Oshkosh in 2013 Mark Lightsey showed Jeff a tool designed by Rick Hansen for compressing the springs so the bolts could be removed and inspected. I made my version of the tool and last week we used it to check the bolts. Our Classic has 248 hours on it and has been flying since 2009. Yup...they do wear.
All four bolts had slots worn in them so they were replaced. We plan to replace them every 3 years or 200 hours, which ever comes first.
This is a fantastic tool for compressing the springs and I would recommend making one early in your project.
John and Jeff Hanson HC-012.
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Bill Rusk
Posts: 81
Joined: Thu Mar 18, 2010 11:06 am

Re: Shock Strut Wear

Post by Bill Rusk »

Excellent post

Thank you

Bill
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