Noise when pushing/pulling aircraft from (root) of prop

[redbaron1982]

Usually when pushing/pulling my M20J I apply some force to the root of one blade of the prop. I push as close as I can to the hub. A couple of weeks ago I started hearing a "clack" noise, as if there was a minor play between the blades and the hub. You cannot feel the play, just hear the noise.

I guess this is ok, the aircraft just went through annual inspection and nothing came up. But I rather have some other opinion on this.

Is it normal to hear this noise? Also, what's your opinion on pushing/pulling the aicraft from the root of the blades? Not using a powered tow bar is really hard to pull, and specially push, just from the tow bar.

[takair]

Are you sure it’s not the crankshaft clunking against the thrust bearing. There is light play in the fore aft direction there. Prop making noise does not sound right. Which prop do you have?  Some have some allowable play, but not much. 

[redbaron1982]

3 minutes ago, takair said:

Are you sure it’s not the crankshaft clunking against the thrust bearing. There is light play in the fore aft direction there. Prop making noise does not sound right. Which prop do you have?  Some have some allowable play, but not much. 

Actually, you're correct, it could be the crankshaft.

I have a MT 3 blades prop. Part of my preflight is to look for play on each blade and we apply (light) pressure on the tip of the blades, I cannot feel anything. Only when pushing/pulling from the root of the blades.

[EricJ]

Pushing or pulling on the blade root should be fine, but the MT owner/operator manual should tell you what you need to know.   There should also be a tolerance spec on any play in the blades, but it sounds like you're not really seeing any blade play.

 

[201Mooniac]

I'm not sure what is allowed on the MT prop as to any play but I can tell you that on mine (about 750 hours since new) there is none and no noise at all when pulling on the blade root.I don't do it often as I use a power tug when at the hangar but I do use the blade root to pull when moving with the tow bar.