20F Main Shock Disk

[crxcte]

I noticed on my main shock disk that there was a welded cover where the strut comes up at the top.  The collar bolt that connects the strut holding the shock discs in place looks like it would be near impossible to access.  Anyone know how to deal with this welded cap?  There is a tab on the aft side of the welded cap that looks like it could bent up to access the bolt and nut but that would have limited work area.  Should my A&P cut this cap off?

CR

[piperpainter]

Here is a picture of mine well before I had my gear and airplane cleaned & repainted!

When I replaced the disks There was a wierd washer on the top that was held in with a bolt. This cap should either pop right off or there might be a screw, I can't recall for sure. But I do think its a screw that should hold it on. If its welded, someone must have not liked the screws. Once you get the cover off though the easiest way to get the bolt off the top is to put the plane on the ground. Once you get it jacked you can do the rest, makes life alot easier! Goodluck!

[crxcte]

Thanks for the reply.  My plane has a metal cover over the top of where the bolt you are referring to is located.  The cover is blocking access to the bolt.  The metal cover is thin but was welded on.  Basically the bolt your pointing to is covered on all 4 sides with metal.  I should of taken a picture.

 

[Sven]

We are giving our gear a complete makeover. We have that cap on one and it's missing on the other. We thought the one was welded in place, too, but it slid out toward the back of the plane. Not sure if that helps.

[crxcte]

 Yes, I had one on the co-pilots side that was missing.  I'll see if the pilots side will slide out.  Thanks for the tip.

[Sven]

Ours was missing on the same side.

[sellis]

The cap shouldn't be welded. These caps should slide off.

[crxcte]

Thanks for the information.  It slid off as you described.