Message-ID: <36F67937.5C06AEC0@swefco.com>
Date: Mon, 22 Mar 1999 09:09:19 -0800
From: Hal Woodruff <woodruff@swefco.com>
To: lancair.list@olsusa.com
Subject: 320/360 Nose Gear Air Spring
References: <19990319051013.AAA35@truman.olsusa.com>
Mime-Version: 1.0

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In my monthly test of the nose gear emergency extension, the nose gear
failed to extend to the lockdown position.  After removing the air spring it
tested very weakly at about 65 pounds to compress the spring.  According to
Lancair the new gas springs should have about 100 pounds pressure.

I replaced the spring with one distributed by NAPA Auto Parts.  Part number
is BK-819-5239 and cost $16.49 before sales tax.  The open length is 12.75";
the closed length is approx. 7.5".  These numbers are very close to the
original equipment.  After removing the bushings from the old gas spring and
inserting them into the new spring, the new one bolted right in.  I also
used an AN960-516 washer as a shim at each end since the ends of the new
spring are narrower than the old.

Flight test verified that the new spring works well and drops the nose gear
much faster than the original ever did.

I was unable to obtain the pressure rating of this spring.  NAPA says that
the manufacturer (I think its Gabriel) would not divulge the pressure rating
since it is a direct replacement for an automotive application. If anyone
has access to this information it would be nice to know.

Hal Woodruff    N360HW