Piper SEMINOLE PA-44-180, Maintenance Manual

Page: 447 / 881

C. Check the gear downlock hook spring for load tension below minimum allowable tolerance. The
minimum tension of the spring is 10.5 pounds pull at 4.5 inches. Measurement is also taken from the
inner side of each hook.
4. Check the general condition of each limit switch and its actuator, and wiring for fraying, poor connections
or conditions that may lead to failures.
5. Check drag link through center travel by attaching the upper and lower drag links, setting them on a surface
table, and ascertaining that when the stop surfaces of the two links touch, linkage is not less than .062 to
.125 nor more than .125 to .250 of an inch through center. Should the distance exceed the required through
center travel and bolt and bushing are tight, replace one or both drag links.
6. The shimmy dampener requires no service other than routine inspection. In case of damage or malfunction,
the dampner should be replaced rather than repaired.
7. Repair to the landing gear is limited to reconditioning of parts such as replacing bearings and bushings,
smoothing out minor nicks and scratches, repainting of areas where paint has chipped or peeled and
replacement of parts.
INSTALLATION OF NOSE LANDING GEAR. (Refer to Figure 32-6.)
— Note —
When assembling any units of the landing gear; lubricate bearings, bushings, and
friction surfaces with the proper lubricant as described in Chapter 12.
— CAUTION —
WHENEVER THE AIRCRAFT IS PLACED ON JACKS FOR THE PURPOSE
OF MANUALLY RETRACTING THE NOSE GEAR ASSEMBLY, INSURE
THE NOSE GEAR DOWNLOCK IS FULLY DISENGAGED BEFORE
RELEASING THE NOSE GEAR DRAG LINKS. DAMAGE COULD OCCUR
TO THE DOWNLOCK IF NOT FULLY DISENGAGED.
1. Attach the steering bellcrank with bushing to its mounting plate on the trunnion support securing with the
bolt assembly. Align the top surface of the steering bellcrank and the top surface of the steering arm
bushings by positioning the spacer washers as shown in Figure 32-6. Connect the bungee assembly to the
bellcrank and install bolt and nut assemblies. The adjustment, fore and aft of the bellcrank may be made
after the gear has been installed and rigged and adjusted.
2. To install the Far housing assembly, position the gear so that the bolt attachment points on the housing align
with the attachment points on the trunnion support. Install pivot bolts, washers and nuts. Tighten the nuts
to a snug fit, yet allowing the gear to swing free, and safely.
3. The drag links and gear tension spring arm may be installed by the following procedure:
A. Ascertain that the upper and lower links are assembled with the downlock hook attached, and the
through travel of the links checked.
B. Attach cylinder rod end to downlock using bolt, washer and nut. Nut must be on the inboard side.
C. Position the link assembly to allow the bolt holes in the links to align with the bolt holes in the gear
housing and the nose gear support. Install the link attachment bolts.
D. Install nuts and washers on the upper link attachment bolts. Tighten the nut to allow to links to rotate
freely and safely.
PA - 4 4 - 1 8 0 / 1 8 0 T
AIRPLANE MAINTENANCE MANUAL
3 2 - 2 2 - 0 3
Page 32-30
Revised: May 15, 1989
2G22
PIPER AIRCRAFT