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Thread: Bungie/Hydrosorb Questions

  1. #1
    sierrasplitter's Avatar
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    Default Bungie/Hydrosorb Questions

    I need to be schooled on Bungie/Hydrsorb Maintenance . When I pre-flight my plane I always give a good yank on the landing gear just to check integrity and I have noticed the left gear seems a bit more giving, or soft that the right gear. I believe its time to replace my Bungies and maybe hydrosorb.
    I landed at Blythe this Sunday on the way to Havasu and did a power 180 to park the plane. After getting out I noticed the left tire was sitting more level or maybe even sagging. I looked underneath and the gear was about 1/2-3/4 inch lower than the right side.
    I do know this is the suspension and suspected it was because I had just did that park job and put all the weight on the left side. Once I had the plane back in the hanger it sits with both tires towed in which is correct.
    But, I need advice on when these need to be replaced, If its still safe to fly with this, the best recommended way to lift the aircraft, and .......maybe a shop in SoCal that has experience changing these.

    Do I go ahead and order the two 1080HD cords and hydrosorb from Aircraft Spruce, or just the cords and wait to see if the hydrosorb is bad ?
    399 for the hydrosorb. I dont mind buying it now

    Advice please

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  2. #2
    JPerkins's Avatar
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    Default Re: Bungie/Hydrosorb Questions

    Roll the plane forward in a strait line and look at the gear fairings underneath and not how much they stick out from the belly. Then roll it back and do the same. So long as they're relatively even and dont drop more than an inch your ok.
    Also I wouldn't replace the hydrosorb(s) unless I it/them in my hands without bungees to feel if their dampening capability is worn.
    Also when you put on the new bungees it's like getting out of a half ton two wheel drive pickup and getting in a one ton 4x4. Bit on the stiff side.

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  3. #3
    Stephen's Avatar
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    Default Re: Bungie/Hydrosorb Questions

    Based on what you say, your plane is not unsafe. Inspect your hydrasorbs for oil leaks and bungies for fraying on the outter cover. Next read previous discussions here. You probably do not want to put double heavy duty shocks on. You will want a bungie tool and expert help to do this job. New bungies take a while to brake in. I agree with JP's advice.
    "You can only tie the record for flying low."

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    sierrasplitter's Avatar
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    Default Re: Bungie/Hydrosorb Questions

    Thank You Guys. I was hoping everything was good. I did notice after rolling it into the hanger both sides were even. I have watched the videos on how to Instal the Bungies and would definitely get some expert help.
    What does happen if a bungie breaks ? Just sagging gear ? Or does it fold up and the tire hit the fuse ?

  5. #5
    sierrasplitter's Avatar
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    Default Re: Bungie/Hydrosorb Questions

    Oh, one more Noobie Question - Is there one hydrosorb/bungie assembly per plane or one per gear side ?

  6. #6
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    Default Re: Bungie/Hydrosorb Questions

    There are two bungees (1080HD) per side, both bungees on one side would have to completely fail before the gear would fold.
    I would guess that if one was cut/failed the other would prevent the gear from folding, but I would also assume the plane would lean pretty good
    "Progress is our most important problem"

  7. #7
    JPerkins's Avatar
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    Default Re: Bungie/Hydrosorb Questions

    Yup, two rubber bands per hydrasorb, and one hydrasorb per gear leg.

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  9. #9
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    Default Re: Bungie/Hydrosorb Questions

    Hi,

    If your bungees both fail it causes several problems, at least on a Pacer it will. If your plane has wheel pants, it'll come around enough to bump your front strut, probably bending it slightly. The wingtip will hold the plane up, but not high enough to keep your prop out of the dirt. Depending on which side lets loose, you may also break off your exhaust stack and entry step. Mine actually had the welds pull out of the early Univair gear legs where the hydtosorb mounts. Bent up that end of the gear too when it grabbed some earth. Pulled out the airfoil shapped brace on the gear as it flattened on the ground.

    Some folks recommend putting a cable loop around the bungee ears that will prevent the gear from collapsing if the bands go to hell. They'll sag quite a bit so you'll have plenty of time to worry about them before you get parked.
    Last edited by Jim; 07-27-2020 at 08:45 PM.

  10. #10
    JPerkins's Avatar
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    Default Re: Bungie/Hydrosorb Questions

    Your a tough cookie to be doing bungees thar way!

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