Re: Main landing gear

[Doug Davis]

Taken from the centerline of the tire,at the hub,( sighting down the sidewall will do) what is the "play" in fraction of inches, with the new bushing and "washer" installed.  You are allowed up to 1/4" play( I believe). You will be surprised at how much slop a Little bushing will take out.  The "moment" factor you know, just like the fact that a 7/16" spacer/washer on top of the oleo strut will raise the tail 10".  If the spacer/washer and bushing don't do the job, then you most likely have either a badly worn main pin ( which should be identifiable visually), or worn support members, which will require replacement of the vertical and trailing arm members.  I would talk to Lee at Skyport about this,  he is more up to date on these things.  There is the Heat treatment factor to be considered with any spacers/shims one would consider using, which most likely would be "illegal", under the "equal or better" standard. If there are any STC's relative to "repairs" using shims, I don't know of them.  If after the housing is cleaned up and a light application of emery cloth used, the bushing will not go in with light tapping using a flat piece of metal,and the removed "pin" as a mandrel,then I would suggest you make or buy a bushing shoulder driving  tool of mild steel with the o.d. of the shaft no more than .005 smaller than the I.d. of the bushing. Incidentally, the Bakelite material isn't as brittle as you might think. Doug