Landing Gear Conduits

The conduits seem to be the hot topic so we’ll cover it first. Likewise landing gear transmissions are a hot topic.

Conduits

These are the main landing gear retraction system push – pull cables. The nose gear uses a push – pull rod.

The real way to check those conduits is just like the SM states. Disconnect both ends and check for freedom of movement. Because it’s a pain to do all the work to get there, at the very least disconnect the conduits and nose gear at the gear ends and check movement of both conduits using the manual lever. However it’s difficult without experience to know what too much or correct resistance feels like. And keep in mind, without the “load” of the gear on any conduit you will get a false indication. The “load” will exacerbate a problem in the curved area where the wear occurs; each conduit makes a 90-degree bend under the spar. One good note, if you do the suggested method and find a problem, you haven’t wasted any time. Why? – because the access time can be converted into conduits replacement time. Count on a whole day to do it correctly, that means the entire landing gear adjustment procedure. Then one would ask the question, “Why not “invest” that time in an upgrade – new conduits”. See the logic? Hopefully resistance to replacing these critical components will diminish.

As one would guess I get a lot of inquiries about the conduits and their “resistance” as measured using the torque adapters.

Note – see the ICS tool loan program page. The reports are even passing the prescribed test, the 30 CB opens near the up-limit. It’s the conduits. I’ve not been informed ever of a torque test failing; tell me if you have – details?

Note – Comanche Gear does not hold a PMA for these conduits; that belongs to Webco Aircraft. Their P/N is W455-180; about $400 each [cheap in my opinion – good guys Webco]. The conduit supply from Webco is periodic; they have a standing order from their supplier. Since these are a popular item you had best plan ahead; they may not be available if you call them too late in a purchase cycle.

I know that I blab a lot so bear with me on this. I’m pro-active concerning landing gear maintenance, so if you phone me be prepared to get an ear-full. An ear-full of reasons why you should just do it; when were these push-pull cables lubricated? 1960, 1965? Another justification; replacing the conduits will offer the opportunity to examine the entire retraction system; if you find additional problems count it a blessing. Those potential problems newly discovered and properly remedied are an asset to the security of your retraction system; and the log book and maintenance records. This will instill confidence in you and a future purchaser.

Twin Comanche crossover clamps’ orientation

View from the wheel well; conduit & mounting bracket

The above photos are found in the manual I’ve written as described below. I’ve performed 52 of these conduit installations until my shoulder rotator let go again [3-rd time] and every hint learned is conveyed in this manual. FWIW I was an engineer at IBM and one of my responsibilities was writing engineering reports. This knack for writing is partially derived from that experience; and as supported by positive feedback from purchasers of this manual.

Click on the cover page above for a description of this manual and components included with the manual purchase. Click here for page one of the above installation and adjustments manual.

Someone suggested that I change the name of this manual to, “Landing Gear for Dummies“; not a bad idea.

I am writing another manual covering setup procedures and adjustment aspects involved in the 1000-hour AD 77-13-01

See image below for a description of the FBO tooling and parts components available for purchase.

Conduit email discussion – Is this what you call “Conduit Denial”?

If you are a shop and want to purchase any of the above without installation and adjustment manual, which you already have purchased, here’s the pricing:

• The conduit wrench is $129.65 [cost of my labor and materials].
• The setting gauge is $40. My apologies for the price increase, Spruce doubled the price of the aluminum.
• The kit hardware compliment is $70

It’s a real time-saver to let me source, package and label all this hardware and other pieces for you; keep your employees doing what they do best.