Wing lift struts - how to check

john-ranger · Post by **john-ranger** » Sat May 23, 2009 15:26

What's the best method to check your wing lift struts? My annual is coming due in June.

Nathan K. Hammond · Post by **Nathan K. Hammond** » Sat May 23, 2009 16:06

Lightly bang them with the heal of your hand while listening for the "tink-tink-tink" sound of rust rattling in them. Some guys like to use a stethescope to listen. The other option is to hire somebody to come out and x-ray them, but thats BIG $$$$$$$.

If you hear an abnormal about of "Tinks" (a little bit is normal), get a scratch awl and press into the strut at the lower end. If you push through.... well, that's bad.

nkh

john-ranger · Post by **john-ranger** » Sat May 23, 2009 18:39

All Aeronca struts are sealed? How would rust form from the inside?

flyingfool · Post by **flyingfool** » Sat May 23, 2009 20:10

They are NOT completely sealed!

The rear lift struts have witness holes to verify the threads are there and has not been adjusted too far that there is insufficient threds remaining.

My witness hole on the left rear strut is on the top AND bottom. The witness hole on the right rear is on the TOP only. Nothing on the bottom.

I plan to put some candle wax into the witness holes that are on the top. My novice thought would be that there would be only a single hole and be on the bottom. Others have reported that they seem to only make a single rear strut and put the witness hole on the same side. So that one will be on the top and the other on the bottom if you bought two new struts.

Can anybody tell me if this is normal or if I must make a change?

Thanks,

Tom