Nose Wheel Tubes

[Bob]

I went to replace my nose wheel tire and tube and would like some input.  I have optional wheel covers and the new Airstop tube comes with a TR-87 valve that is 3/4 of an inch longer than my old tube.  The extra length will not allow the use of wheel covers.  No numbers are readable on the old tube, but it does say Goodyear.  Has anyone ran into this hurdle before?

[ELT]

Yes,  Just had a MLG tube replaced due to a valve stem failure.  IA suggested I replace the tube with a 246-500 Butyl tube.  The stem was longer and the standard single screw wheel cover would not go on.  IA suggested leaving off the covers or drill a hole in them.  I was concerned about the long stem hitting the MLG wheel well upon retraction.  We checked and clearance was not a problem.  We used the tube with TR-87 due to stem alignment with hub.  I was shocked at the price for the tube ($142.99). 

[kortopates]

Your wheel covers sound different from minem but my factory aluminium nose wheel cover has a drilled hole for the valve stem and uses a Butyl TR-67 (90 degree angle) valve on the tube to come staight out of the rim and protrudes through the wheel cover a bit. My mains uses a TR-20 valve (straight) and the stems stay entiely behind the wheel covers. 

[Bob]

Today I talked to both Michelin and Goodyear techs.  Neither make a tube with a short valve.  Since Laser sells wheel covers like I have, I called them and they sent me to Dresser tire.  Ordered a Aero Classic tire with a short valve from them.  Nothing worse than having many options, all of which have a compromise.

 

So this is where I am at, with the nose wheel tube options, if you have hubcaps:

1)  Michelin or Goodyear tubes with a TR-67A valve and no wheel cover.

2)  Michelin or Goodyear tubes with a TR-67A valve and drill a hole in the wheel cover so you can use the wheel cover.

3)  Buy a Aero Classic tube (must specify a short valve) and use wheel covers as they are designed (without holes for valve stem).

[kortopates]

Unless you really want to change the tire to put the short valve tube in, it seems it would be much easier to drill a hole for the stem on the hub cap - which would make it like the factory wheel cover. But aren't the LASAR wheel covers plastic? a bit trickier drilling plastic - just have to be very careful.

Otherwise the the Dresser butyl tubes are just as good as the Michelin Airstop butyl tubes - just make sure stay with butyl -  I use the Dresser tubes in my Goodyear Custom III's.tires.

[kortopates]

You piqued my curiosity enough to check. The TR-67 is the standard 90 degree valve used in our nose wheels, but the TR-87 (that I originally assumed was a typo) is a 90 degree valve with a short stem - presumably the one that LASAR was recommending for their hub caps/wheel covers to Bob above and I presume what Jim must be using with the same hub caps. You can see them here at Dresser:

http://www.desser.com/store/quicksearch.php?type=tube&size=500-5&ply=

 

As best as I can tell the A in 67A is unique to the Michelin Airstop.

Looking for some detailed differenced I came across this site, with pictures showing the difference between the TR67 and TR87 (30mm) valve may help (from aircraft glider suppy site) http://www.wingsandwheels.com/page33.htm

 

Bob, if you really did mean what you said originally, that a new TR87 was longer than your original tube - then all bets are off. But I am betting your new tube with larger stem is a TR67???

[OR75]

only from statistics (not pointing to anyone's landings technique or ability)

 

... the nose tire requires less frequent changing for flat spots than the mains. I would chose the highest quality tire in the nose.  

[DaV8or]

An update on this thread- I just replaced the nose tire on my '66 F and of course the inner tube as well. I have the LASAR hub caps and on the advise I read here, I ordered the TR-87A short valve tube from Dresser. That turned out to be completely wrong for me. The standard TR-67A tube works perfectly with the LASAR hub caps. Fortunately, Desser will take it back. I do believe there are different wheels used over the years by Mooney and that may be why there are discrepancies.

 

What does this mean for the next guy to ask this question? I would suggest posting a picture here of your wheel without the hub cap on and I can tell you if it looks like mine.

[rbridges]

just wondering, when is it time to change a tire on a plane?  In other words, do you let the tread wear down quite a bit?  I didn't notice any wear indicators, but I haven't looked closely.  I had to change a tube on the rt main, but I thought the tire looked fine so I reused it.

[DaV8or]

Pretty much like cars I guess. Tread wear is one factor, age and rubber cracking is another. I have now changed all the tires and it was due to mostly tread wear, although the nose tire was pretty old and was starting to show signs of sidewall cracking.

[Alan Fox]

Why put hub caps on retracts.....just Saying....

[Super Dave]

just wondering, when is it time to change a tire on a plane?  In other words, do you let the tread wear down quite a bit?  I didn't notice any wear indicators, but I haven't looked closely.  I had to change a tube on the rt main, but I thought the tire looked fine so I reused it.

Some good guidance here.

http://www.avweb.com/news/maint/193372-1.html