Mooney 20E landing gear downlock spring removal

[mooney pro]

Hello fellow mechanics

I am planing to remove landing gear legs/ all assembly from my Mooney to remove corrosion and repaint it. I don't have manual specified GSE tool.  I couldn't find it online also. i tried inserting quarters into the spring. quarters are too thin and also tried thicker fender washer . it also didn't work.( when i retracted the gear by hand the spring still has tension) . couldn't really take off that bolt. Any help would be appreciated

[N201MKTurbo]

Put lock wire around the end of the spring and then around a metal bar like a screwdriver held sideways about 6 inches from the end of the spring. Grab the screwdriver with the wire going between your fingers and pull to extend the spring enough to slide the bolt out.

[Andy95W]

I went to the local Tractor Supply store and bought $3 worth of 3/8” washers (they sell them by the pound).  Pressed those into every turn of the spring, then used duct tape where necessary to hold them in place.  Unlocked the gear, swung it part way, and removal was easy.

[carusoam]

Welcome aboard MP!

Funny mismatch between screen name and first post... 

I’m glad you are here, and asking...

Something doesn’t sound right though... people describe the sound of quarters hitting the floor often...

At least with coins, they are sort of re-usable... 

The additional experience of Andy and Rich above should get you where you want to be...

PP thoughts only, not a mechanic...

Best regards,

-a-

[takair]

9 hours ago, mooney pro said:

Hello fellow mechanics

I am planing to remove landing gear legs/ all assembly from my Mooney to remove corrosion and repaint it. I don't have manual specified GSE tool.  I couldn't find it online also. i tried inserting quarters into the spring. quarters are too thin and also tried thicker fender washer . it also didn't work.( when i retracted the gear by hand the spring still has tension) . couldn't really take off that bolt. Any help would be appreciated

I wrote it up a few years ago in this thread.  Maybe it will help.  Looks like I still needed the tool. 

 

[mooney pro]

Great,Thank you for your advices. I got it out. Though the issue was different. It was not only under tension. It was notched and about to snap on...

[carusoam]

m p,

That is an award winning pic for the week!

That is in the holy cow category...

Glad you found it.

Letting @takair have a look...

it doesn’t look like it had a nut on it... at least part of the bolt would be cleaned by the nut, no?

Best regards,

-a-

[N201MKTurbo]

1 hour ago, mooney pro said:

Great,Thank you for your advices. I got it out. Though the issue was different. It was not only under tension. It was notched and about to snap on...

I’ve always said, you got to lube these Mooneys every 10 years or so.