2-28. CLEANING CARPETS. Use a small whisk broom or vacuum to remove dirt. For soiled spots, use a non-
inflammable dry-cleaning fluid.
2-29. SERVICING
2-30. INTRODUCTION TO SERVICING. (Refer to Figure 2-8). Servicing the airplane includes the
replenishment of fuel, oil, hydraulic brake fluid, tire pressures, lubrication requirements and other required items.
2-31. LANDING GEAR SYSTEM.
2-32. SERVICING LANDING GEAR. The landing gear consists of tires, brakes and oleo strut assemblies.
These should be inspected for proper gear extension, scored piston tubes, possible hydraulic fluid leakage,
security, and condition of all connection points. Check the brake linings for wear and frayed edges, and brake
discs for scoring. Replace, if necessary. Minor servicing is described in the following paragraphs, and for
detailed service and overhaul instructions, refer to Section VII.
2-33. OLEO STRUTS.
2-34. SERVICING OLEO STRUTS. Air-oil struts are incorporated in each landing gear oleo to absorb the shock
resulting from the impact of the wheels on the runway during landing. To obtain proper oleo action, the nose gear
oleo strut must have approximately 3.25 ± .25 inches of piston tube exposed, while the main gear struts require
approximately 4.50 ± .50 inches of tube exposure.
— CAUTION —
Do not exceed these tube exposures.
These measurements are taken with the airplane setting on a level surface under normal static load (empty
weight of airplane plus full fuel and oil). If the strut has less tube exposed than that prescribed, determine
whether it needs air or oil by raising the airplane on jacks. With the strut extended, remove the cap from the air
valve at the top of the housing and depress the valve core to allow air to escape from the strut piston until it is
fully compressed. Allow the foam from the air-oil mixture to settle and then determine if oil is visible up to the
bottom of the filler plug hole. If oil is visible at the bottom of the hole, then all that is required is the valve be
checked for unsatisfactory conditions and air added as described in Paragraph 2-37. Should fluid be at any level
below the bottom of the filler plug hole, the oleo should be checked for leaks, etc., and oil added as described in
Paragraph 2-35 for the nose gear, or Paragraph 2-36 for the main gear. For repair procedures of the landing gear
and/or oleo struts, refer to Section Vll.
— WARNING —
Do not release air by removing the strut valve core or filler plug. Depress the valve core pin
until strut chamber pressure has diminished.
— CAUTION —
Dirt and foreign particles form around the filler plugs of the landing gear struts, therefore,
before attempting to remove these plugs, the tops of the struts should be cleaned with
compressed air and/or with a quick drying solvent.
PIPER AIRCRAFT
PA-28-161 CADET
AIRPLANE MAINTENANCE MANUAL
Issued: FEBRUARY 28, 1989
HANDLING AND SERV I C I N G
1B15
