We changed the block from red to black a year ago with no noticeable differ
ence to the landing characteristics.
Would also suggest that the shock absorbers are replaced when you change th
e rubber block.
Also it is worth removing the bearing end caps on the undercarriage swingin
g arm to check there is no corrosion on the frame itself. This is usually t
he main culprit when raising the undercarriage becomes difficult (ie: rust/
corrosion). Its easy to do this even when the whole undercarriage is assem
bled (ie: with the bungee cords in place - in fact this makes it easier as
the bungee supports the swinging arm).
Carl & Dot
G-LABS
==============
Message Received: Apr 15 2011, 12:50 PM
From: "Jim Brown"
Cc:
Subject: Re: Europa-List: Mono Landing Gear Question
Martin, I just completed replacement of the rubber block, (black), bungee c
ord, and all of the bronze bushing in my plane..I used 3/8 inch bungee cord
from aircraft spruce. I purchased 30 feet of cord. and used about 25 feet.
You will need the extra length to have something to hold onto while you ar
e wraping the cord around the frame. You can tell if the bungee cord needs
replacing by how hard it is to retract the gear... My original bungee cord
had 7 wrap's around the frame.and so I replace with same number. My gear ha
d reached the point that it took a hard push to get gear retracted.. I have
850. hours on the original setup.and 10 years time in service.. I also rep
laced all of the bronze bushings while I had the gear laying on the hanger
floor.The rebuild made a big difference in the gear retraction cycle, airfr
ame set up higher, much easier to retract the gear. You will probably need
to extend the outriggers. Buy new nylon replacement at Aircraft Spruce.. Th
ey have it in various diameters. You need the one and a quarter inch in dia
meter size..check yours to make certain...They sell it by the foot....I hav
e pictures of the whole operation, if you need to see.....Jim Brown
From: Martin Tuck
Sent: Thu, April 14, 2011 11:42:03 PM
Subject: Europa-List: Mono Landing Gear Question
When I replaced the brakes recently I thought the red rubber block (that ha
s the vee's cut in it) which forms part of the landing gear suspension was
looking a bit tired. I looked at some early photos of the aircraft and sure
enough the top of the tire seems to be inline with the bottom of the fusel
age whereas now the top of the tire is inside the wheel well by maybe 1/2 i
nch or so and both outriggers touch the ground whereas the aircraft used to
tip from one to the other slightly.
I assume I have to get a new block from Europa in the UK - but if it is som
ething I can get here I guess it makes sense to buy it here and save on shi
pping costs. Same with the bungee cord which I might think about replacing
at the same time.
Anyone have to replace their block yet - if so, where can you get one? How
about the bungee - what is the spec?
I seem to recall someone coming up with an alternative solution to the bung
ee but I can't recall what is was. I think it included some kind of up-lock
also.
Any help would be appreciated.
Regards,
Martin Tuck
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