Hey runwayrunner: NO, fluid squirting from the strut is not normal. If the
fluid is oil, then it is incorrect. It should be hydraulic fluid (Mil H 5606)
unless a modification has been made (FAA approved STC) which uses automotive
brake fluid. You will have to take the strut apart to determine whether or not
the change has been installed. Normally, there is an O ring on the bottom of
the piston which causes the hydraulic fluid to squirt in to the piston
through a small opening on the bottom. This give you the hydraulic dampening
effect. If the change has been installed, there will be an hydraulic brake
cylinder cup installed on the bottom of the piston and a slightly larger hole
drilled through the bolt holding the cup to the bottom of the piston.
The strut is serviced by moving the outside cylinder down so the O ring
is above the servicing port. Then simply fill the strut. I find it easiest to
do this maneuver by jacking the airplane, removing the bottom bolt holding
the strut to the landing gear and pulling the cylinder down while twisting it.
This action helps prevent tearing the O ring. ( If you determine you have
the hydraulic cups installed, you can use the same method, just use brake
fluid
instead of hydraulic fluid to service the strut) You can use the same method
(jacking and removing the bolt) and pull the unit apart to determine whether
or not you have the cup installed.
I have found several Coupes over the last 10 years that have had almost
no fluid in the struts, and appeared to have not been serviced on at least an
annual basis.
Lynn Nelsen
In a message dated 10/17/2008 11:20:24 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
While performing an annual on my 415-C, we lowered the tail to spin the
nose around and noticed fluid squirt from the main landing strut. upon
examination and referring to the service manual it has an oleo oil port
but did not mention any servicing of the oil. Is the oil squirting from
the strut normal?
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