National Aeronca Association Bulletin Board

Does anyone know where I can get the felt seals for a 46 Champ that has the Van Sickle brakes on it. Part numbers A39090. Within 10 hrs of cleaning brakes the right one start slipping again on me. Thanks!

Doc,

Would not be surprised if you have to make them. Not many parts that I know of for most of the old brakes these days.

Joe A

Try Univair at 1-888-433-5433 and tell the parts guy (ask for Tech Support) you have a Champ/Chief with Cleveland DMB wheels and he will get the right P/N. I believe that they are P/N 154-00400 but don't hold me to that number.

Also if you are having leaking issues on you brake pads you might want to change the type of grease you are packing you bearing with. I perfer a Marine type of grease that has a lower temp drop point. Also resists wash out from any type of water. Regular wheel bearing grease is too thin in my opinion unless you are operating in extremely cold weather conditions.

Also the felt seals are more than likely fine (unless torn or shreaded) you might consider cleaning the old felts with gasoline...let dry...than drip in oil perfer 20-50 and than pat down with a shop towel to remove excess oil. Remember the felt seal is used to prevent dust from getting to the wheel bearings that's it.

Good luck.

D. Krog

Thanks for both replies! I believe I made the ones on there now. I am liking the idea of the grease. Is there a rec you can give me? I am not sure what my mechanic was using and I do want to take a stab at it myself in the next week or so.

If I'm not mistaken, I bought mine from Aircraft spruce. I will try to locate the package and get you a part number if I still have it.

I like any type of Marine wheel bearing grease. Doesn't really matter the brand but make sure is says Marine wheel bearing grease. The reason why I like it is the Marine grease is a bit thicker (lower drop point) and is resistant to "wash" away. If you look at all the recomended wheel bearing greases that top is oily and very thin. Well that's what is propergating through your felt washer and getting on your brake shoes. Anywho it works for me.....that's all I'm saying.


P.S. I don't recommend this grease for "sub-artic" flying like below 20 degress since it maybe too thick in cold weather.

Aircraft spruce has them : 154-01300 $7.25


http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/l ... wheels.php

bottom of the page

Actually, I ordered them last week and not really sure that part number is correct....the felt wheel bearings seals on my Champ seem wider, the inside diameter seems alright but the outside diameter is smaller???You may want to b double check the part number, sorry.

Sorry it has taken me so long to reply. With the baby due anytime, the wife has had a list of honeydo's a mile long for me to complete.

The Aircraft Spruce number mentioned before is the correct number.
P/N 154-00300

Hope you were able to get the ones you wanted.