Strut Rebuilding

[radiotek]

Greetings,
My '46 Chief oleo struts are a bit spongy, wont hold fluid long and I know its time for a rebuild. I'm an A&P and have rebuilt Cessna nose struts but have never done an Aeronca and was wondering if anyone here has done this and how difficult it is?? Unfortunately I have no documentation on the strut if that is needed. Or if its something that requires experience does anyone know a shop that can do it? And finally, if I do decide to try it what is the best source for the required parts? Thanks!

[flyingfool]

I personally have not rebuilt my struts.

But this is the site which I bookmarked and printed off some time ago to keep with my airplane reference manual collection.

http://www.hangar9aeroworks.com/Aeronca ... strut.html

I also know I believe Dave Rude or some such spelling is known far and wide as being the guru in rebuilding Aeronca oleo struts.

I also hear that John Deere hydraguard hydro fluid works great. I also heard that there is a similar milspec material you can get from I think Harbor freight or northern tool supply.

Hope this helps. My next annual this spring I plan to take these apart for inspection with my IA. I'm having no problems but I just want to know everything is correct and for my education.

Hope this helps.

[joea]

The Sedan does not have stuts but when I had a Chief I wondered the same thing.

Have seen Dave Rude's work and it was excellent. Would lean on letting him do that, or get in touch with him and get the parts from him.

Joe A

[radiotek]

I'ver done some research on my struts and I'm confident that I can rebuild them just fine myself thanks to John Baker's web page and a couple others. I have one mystery though. My LH and RH oleo strut outer tubes, which are of course part of the triangular shaped case-frame, are of different lengths, one being about 3/4 inch longer at the bottom. My plane was at one time many years ago a basket-case so I wouldn't be surprised that someone maybe used 2 airframes to make one or something. Anyone have any data or ideas on differences in strut case frames?? Mine is '46 Chief 11AC
Thanks!

[Paul Agaliotis]

Sometimes the lower end of the case is cut to allow easier removal of the strut bushing.
Paul

[jimknuck]

I rebuilt the struts on my chief and had my AI sign off. If the strut housing bushing needs replacing it is a little more involved. I rebuilt the entire strut with all new internal parts and it lands like a different plane. The packing is a trick but very straight forward. I preloaded the new springs and measured them and replaced every part in them. If you want to call me I will be glad to talk to you..dont pay what the "experts' charge I have about 600 dollars in the whole job