REPAIRS
REPAIRING LEADING EDGE BLADDERS
1.
First, lay the kite out with the struts facing up.
2.
Each end of the Leading Edge (LE) bladder is folded over and secured with a
Velcro closure. You will also find a zipper access pocket at the center of the
LE. Undo each Velcro closure and unzip the center access pocket. This will
open up the sleeve of the strut and will allow you access to the bladder.
(Fig.1,2)
3.
Separate the Airlock Valve Assembly from the leading edge. Carefully lift the
retainer ring from the bladder. Keep track of the assembly for later use.
(Fig.3,4,5)
4.
Next, on the standard valve, separate the valve plug from the Velcro closure
so that the valve is free from the strut's sleeve. This will essentially discon-
nect the bladder from the sleeve. Keep track of the valve plug for later use.
5.
For the next step, you will need two flying lines. Starting with one end of the
leading edge, tie one line around the wing tip end of the bladder. Cinch the
line down well. Using the second line, follow the same procedure with the
other end of the leading edge bladder. (Fig.6)
6.
Next, gently push the valves down into the strut sleeve.
7.
Now, access the leading edge bladder through the zippered access pocket
near the leading edge valve. (Fig.7)
8.
Gently pull one side of the bladder out of the sleeve at a time, leaving the fly-
ing line through both sides of the sleeve. Having the flying line through the
sleeve will allow you to easily replace the bladder once it is repaired.
9.
Once out of the sleeve, inflate the bladder and plug both valves so that it
maintains air. Do not over inflate the bladder.
10. Submerge the bladder in water to locate the hole. A bathtub or large sink full
of water is best. You will need to submerge one section of the bladder at a
time in order to locate the hole. Look for air bubbles to locate the hole.
11. Once you have located the leak, dry the area and mark the hole with a circle.
A permanent marker works best for this. (Fig.8)
12. Dry and clean the rest of the bladder with a soft towel.
13. Again, deflate the bladder.
14. Decide whether to use the glue or a patch supplied in your bladder repair kit.
15. If the hole is on a seam, you will need to glue the area.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
REPAIRING LEADING EDGE BLADDERS
