Wobbly Nose Gear

[dcjohnst]

Just got my J-model back from the shop after some major work. had to change out the doughnuts, among other things. One thing they found was that the nosewheel had become wobbly--or maybe it had been wobbly for quite a while. Decided to place some metal rings to change the camber of the gear on extension. This has helped quite a bit. Since then, I've heard from a number of folks who have this problem and it appears to be somewhat common. I'm just wondering if the rings are a durable fix? Those rings must be under a lot of pressure between the weight and the leverage on them. Any chance they will crack at some critical time? Any advice on how often they should be inspected?

[Bob - S50]

During our first annual the mechanic noted our nose gear had excessive lateral play.  He ordered a kit from LASAR.  They drill out a bushing to a specific oversize and replace the bolt with an oversized bolt provided by LASAR.

 

Bob

[chrisk]

I didn't fly and land my Mooney when I first bought it.   As soon as I owned it, I brought an instructor with me and for some transition training.  My first landing was fine, but  I though I must have had my foot on the brake a little.  On my second landing, I was sure my feet weren't on the breaks.  But I found myself in doubt as I touched down.    I'd read the Maxwell article on it, so I had a good idea of what the problem was.   Dugosh was able to fix it quickly for minimal cost.

 

If your plane darts on the runway, you really should get it fixed.  It's much more enjoyable when the roll out is a non-event.

[larryb]

Back when I bought my J and did my transition training I was having trouble with the plane darting off to the side on landing. I thought it was me. It didn't happen every time, but often enough. I thought I must be riding the brakes or the rudder I was using for cross-wind landings was causing it. Then at the next annual the shop noticed and fixed (with the Laser kit) the problem and suddenly I didn't have the problem any more.

[MHemperly]

We just did the LASAR upper truss as well. Expensive but made a world of difference. Good luck!

Mike

[carusoam]

If everyone repairs a worn part every 40 years...

It will seem common as everyone goes through it...

Engine overhauls seem to be more common, and more expensive.

Best regards,

-a-

[Bob - S50]

Bob,

Do you recall specifically which bushing and bolt? I do have some lateral play I would like to reduce.

(When he said they just replaced the donuts ... That keyed me in to SB M20-202)

Can't recall, but if you call LASAR and explain your problem I'm sure they will know what to do.  Just tell them what you said here.  Be very specific though.  To me, there is a world of difference and a different fix for a 'wobbly' nose gear (excessive lateral play) vs an airplane the 'darts' toward the side of the runway on touchdown.

 

Good luck,

 

Bob