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Thread: open style lift strut inspection ?

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  1. #1

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    Default open style lift strut inspection ?

    I have read the procedure of using graph paper and a spring punch on the ends of the struts to check for thin spots. I guess it must get the job done-- but it doesnt fill me with an overabundance of confidence. (my understanding is that this is the only approved test method---per the recurring AD )


    Are there other options which can also be done -- maybe as a "first pass" before the punch test ?
    Would a long borescope or camera-scope do any good on the inside to look for scale or pitting ?
    Dye-penetrant would be easy enough to find cracks. Is there any reasonable way to clean the insides and then do something like ultrasonic ? (this would be outside the AD of coarse--- and done before the punch test-
    just for some redundancy and to make me feel better about the quality of this highly stressed part)

    I also like the idea of just going to new sealed ones with the improved forks---

    Tim

  2. #2
    walt.buskey's Avatar
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    Default Re: open style lift strut inspection ?

    When I was faced with this situation -- my first wing strut AD compliance in August of 2013-- I thought long & hard about it. I learned that, these days, what's usually done is to have an ultrasound test, which, as I understand it, can determine actual thickness of the metal in the struts, a more accurate method of testing.

    The problem, however, was getting somebody to do the ultrasound testing.

    There are folks who have this equipment mounted in a truck and can travel to locations, but I found that's quite expensive, certainly well outside my budget at the time. I had contacted one such individual, and he agreed that he could test my struts --without travel time-- if I removed them and brought them to an airport where he was going to be testing on some other aircraft.

    New problem: all struts would have to be removed, wings either removed completely or supported adequately, and the struts then transported about 180 miles. Any that failed, of course, would then need to be replaced. I'd also most likely need to rent a truck.

    I was on a tight budget at the time, but I decided the best solution in the long run was to just replace all four struts with new sealed units. I got mine from AK Airframes, from whom I could order them powder-coated white, which saved the expense of having them painted after receiving them. It was my first big expense, about $3400 for all four, with new, larger ss strut forks included. No more AD, and I'm sure re-sale value down the road will be improved.

  3. #3

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    Default Re: open style lift strut inspection ?

    The AD has an alternative ultrasonic test. The struts need to be removed and brought to a Repair Station that has Ultrasonic NDT in their Op Specs, and tested by them. The Appendix to AD 2015-08-04 gives the procedure for ultrasonic inspection.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

  4. #4
    akflyer's Avatar
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    Default Re: open style lift strut inspection ?

    You don't need a truck to haul UT equipment. A full on flaw detector and not just a D meter can be found in a package about the size of you cell phone. Things have come a long way since I first started lugging around a UT scope..

    Do they not Xray the struts anymore?

  5. #5

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    Default open style lift strut inspection ?

    Quote Originally Posted by akflyer View Post
    You don't need a truck to haul UT equipment. A full on flaw detector and not just a D meter can be found in a package about the size of you cell phone. Things have come a long way since I first started lugging around a UT scope..

    Do they not Xray the struts anymore?
    I believe the Taylorcraft strut AD allows x-ray, but the Piper AD is Ultrasonic or punch test. I suppose you could request an AMOC for x-ray.


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    Last edited by dgapilot; 11-20-2021 at 01:58 PM.

  6. #6
    Jim's Avatar
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    Default Re: open style lift strut inspection ?

    Hi,

    I'm still punching mine too, but I oil them every other year while they're off. For a few years I was able to split the costs of the NDT guy coming out with the local Pawnees, but they fly Ag Trucks now. Knowing what I know now, I should have replaced the struts 40 years ago.

  7. #7

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    Default Re: open style lift strut inspection ?

    I will make some calls or some googleing and see how much the ultrasound test runs-----
    my plane is apart so no problem with that aspect---

  8. #8
    walt.buskey's Avatar
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    Default Re: open style lift strut inspection ?

    No guarantees that they're still good (they'd need to be tested), but if anyone wants my old struts they can be had for free. After replacing mine I stored them in a corner in my garage...

    DSC08140.jpg

  9. #9
    Administrator Steve Pierce's Avatar
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    Default Re: open style lift strut inspection ?

    I have not had the struts ultra sonic tested but the last time I had magnetic particle done on the forks it was $85 plus shipping.

  10. #10

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    Default Re: open style lift strut inspection ?

    Quote Originally Posted by Steve Pierce View Post
    I have not had the struts ultra sonic tested but the last time I had magnetic particle done on the forks it was $85 plus shipping.
    I just got a quote for the Ultrasonic Inspection from a place in Baltimore. Still trying to pick my jaw off the floor, $880 to do the 4 struts! Anyone else get the ultrasonic test done? What price have others been quoted? I'll look around for other shops in VA, WV and PA to see if I can find a better price.

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