Thread repair for nose wheel pants...

[Tailwind_Fan]

I’m in the middle of installing the full set of wheel pants, when I noticed that the threads that are supposed to be in the steering fork have been pulled out? It’s like the threads corroded onto the bolt and came out as a thread insert... how do I repair this? I searched AC 43-13-1B and there’s no answers given. For threads that have an AN4 bolt being put in and out, a helicoil seems like a poor solution, almost as bad as putting UNF threads in anything aluminum...

-Alana

[JPerkins]

Actually heli coil is the solution. They do just fine in aluminum and often times installed at the get go to prevent galling/stripping.
Your spark plug threads are a perfect example. They are all heli coils.


Sent from my SM-G930V using ShortWingPipers.Org mobile app

[at7615]

Done right, a helicoil (stainless steel) is far superior to any thread in aluminum, sign off as minor repair IAW Manf. instructions. No problems!

http://www.repairengineering.com/helicoil.html

[Tailwind_Fan]

Where’s it allowed in AC 43? If helicoil why not other thread repair methods?

[Wag-builder]

What is supposed to be there is an anchor nut on the inside of the nosewheel fork. You can find the information on drawing number 13117. The part number is NAS687A4 two required

Steve

[Tailwind_Fan]

That sort of makes sense, but there’s nothing to connect the nut plates on the inside of the wheel fork... also, it appears that NAS# isn’t used anymore. It doesn’t have an equivalent part number in the Univair catalog or match an anything in Aircraft Spruce’s catalog.

[Wag-builder]

Here is the source for the anchor nut. They are riveted directly to the fork, so whoever installed them on your plane to begin with wasn't done correctly. https://www.libertyeng.com/specialty-fasteners-detail/alcoa/nas687a4


Steve

[Tailwind_Fan]

Interesting as there’s no hole for these to be riveted onto the fork, just the 0.25” hole where the bolt goes through. I’ve found the equivalent F2000 nut plate at ACS...

[Wag-builder]

My guess would be that your plane came with the nose wheel fender and not wheel pants, and someone installed them at some point in its life and didn't have the drawings. If you do not have the drawing CD for the PA-22 I would suggest you buy one. It is $60 but has a lot of very useful information and worth having.

https://www.shortwingpiperclub.org/product-category/reference-books-cds/

Steve