Nose Gear Clunking

[Mac201]

The nose gear on my J model is making a clunking noise when I hit bumps while taxiing.  It also does when landing and there is weight applied to the noise gear.  It sounds and feels as thought something is loose.  I am not sure if this normal for a Mooney with nearly 7,000 hours or if something else is going on.  My mechanic inspected the gear while working on another issue this week.  He did not find anything that appeared wrong, but we have not jacked up the plane yet to cycle the gear.

If anyone has any experience with this, I would appreciate any help.

Leigh

[Sven]

These threads will all help you out:

http://www.mooneyspace.com/index.cfm?mainaction=posts&forumid=2&threadid=1180

http://www.mooneyspace.com/index.cfm?mainaction=posts&forumid=2&threadid=1120

http://www.mooneyspace.com/index.cfm?mainaction=posts&forumid=2&threadid=1097

Be careful. I had a problem with the nose gear and it led to a wild landing where the nose was turned to the left and when it touched down I shot immediately to the left blowing the left tire. Read these threads and you'll find the culprit.

I hope this helps.

[MooneyMitch]

My experience with this;  jack up the plane and check the play where the lower gear leg attaches to the upper leg.  I've heard this location called the knuckle.   If there is play, start by replacing the AN bolts.  There is one 3/8" bolt, two washers and a nut on the left side and the same on the right side.  If this doesn't do the trick, replace the bushings, one each side [about $30 per bushing from LASAR]. 

This worked for me and I hope it works for you.

[GeorgePerry]

http://www.mooneyspace.com/index.cfm?mainaction=posts&forumid=1&threadid=1473

One more thread that covers this issue.  Mitch is 100% correct.  you need to jack the plane up to get a true measure of how much "slop" you have.

[Piloto]

The clunking noise you hear is likely due to  worn out cushion donuts. As they age they get compressed creating a gap between the donut upper washer and the tubular gear frame. This gap is only noticeable when the gear is hanging in the air like when the plane is on jacks. When the donuts are replaced the noise is gone.

José

[richardheitzman]

Jose is correct. You can also check out your donuts by pushing your finger nail into the donut and see if the indent disappears. If it stays there or you can't make a dent, it is time to change. If you have not changed them out in the last ten years, or don't know if they are been changed out, then change them out. Check your mains as well.

Old donuts=fuel tank seal breakdown and leaks.

[Immelman]

Get the airplane on jacks and trace where this play/slop is coming from. Frankly, it can be many places. There are several bushings that can wear out, the actual nosegear structure (pivot truss), and steering horn that can cause this sort of play - in addition to the shock donuts.

[Mac201]

Thanks for the responses.  We have noticed that one of the turn limit stops is broken off, but there does not appear to be further damage to the tubes.  We are trying to find if this is a repairable part or if it must be replaced.  From what I read on  other posts, this is a fairly common occurance. 

So, up on jacks next week.  Thanks again.

[sellis]

Landing gear parts are heat treated not allowed to be repaired. The part will need to be replaced with a new part.

[rdv]

Old donuts = fuel tank leaks? Is this because of a harder ride, more stress on seams and joints?

[Kwixdraw]

Quote: rdv

Old donuts = fuel tank leaks? Is this because of a harder ride, more stress on seams and joints?

[carusoam]

Old donuts absorb less shock, passing stress on the rest of the airframe.  Bounced landings with new or old donuts don't help either....

Of course, older (more brittle) sealant will be more susceptible to leaks.

-a-