AMD 601XL / 601XLI / 650LS / 650LSi SLSA MAINTENANCE MANUAL
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SECTION V
LANDING GEAR AND BRAKE SYSTEM
GENERAL
The landing gear incorporated on the ZODIAC is a fixed, tricycle type of gear, fitted with
three 500-5 wheels, using four ply tires with tubes. The nose gear is steerable through the
rudder pedals. The fixed cam automatically centers the nose wheel and rudder in the
shock extended position. The main gear shock absorber is a mono leaf metal spring. The
two main gear wheels are equipped with single disc hydraulic brake assemblies which are
actuated by the brake pedals connected to the brake master cylinders located forward of
the rudder pedals. The brake fluid reservoirs are an integral part of the pilot side master
cylinders.
ALIGNMENT OF NOSE GEAR
1. Hoist the airplane.
2. Locate the center line of the fuselage directly behind the nose wheel assembly and
attach a plumb bob, also attach a plumb bob to the tail tie down ring. Using the two
plumb bobs as a guide, snap a chalk line, extending several feet beyond each bob on the
ground.
3. Stand in front of the nose wheel and orient the tire with the chalk line. Sight along the
center rib of the tire.
4. Adjust both rod ends at the end of the nose gear steering rod assemblies to align the
cockpit rudder pedals. Do not attempt to make the adjustment by means of one rod
end but divide the adjustment between the two rod ends. A 3/8” (10mm) minimum
thread engagement must be maintained.
5. Check the nose gear steering for travel by measuring the maximum deflection each side
from the center of the chalk line.
NOSE WHEEL CENTERING
With the nose wheel raised, move the rudder pedals to the left / right and release. Pedals (nose
wheel) must return to the center each time. The nose gear bottom bearing
automatically centers
the nose wheel and rudder in the shock extended position. If this centering system does not
work, do the following:
1, Remove the rudder pedal rods that link to the nose wheel through the firewall. Try and
move the nose wheel left and right with your hands. If not possible try and grease the
upper and lower nose gear bearings and or, loosen the bottom bearing horizontal bolts and
or, remove nose gear and expand the bearings. The complete nose gear must be a bit loose
within the bearings for the system to self center.
2, If nose gear centers, loosen the rudder pedal bearings.
3, Reinstall everything and see if nose gear now centers.
July 09
5.1