Anti-Splat Nose Wheel - new tire install

[A2022]

1250 hours on this arrangement. the nose wheel spins freely, and I have been happy with it. no shimmy ever. installed 10 years ago and never removed and no flat tires. the old Aero Classic tire rubber is still pliable and not cracking, so I think it's a good tire. I'll install a new tire and static balance and keep rolling. the nose fork inspection showed no areas of concern. to install the tire; insert bolt, apply nut, torque tightly and go.

I only land on hard surface runways with this small tire.

[A2022]

rotation video

https://photos.app.goo.gl/WyXn3AfYt9b1823k9

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adding some air while bolting this together proved to be good for not pinching the tube. a piece of cake to install a new tire.

inserting the wheel in the fork was a .002-inch spread, perfect fit. this nose wheel mod cost about $300 10 years ago. best investment I made. I'm looking for another 1250 hours.

[dpansier]

Steve,

Do you have the sealed roller bearings on the main gear also? If so, I am curious of the bearing number as they seem to get great life.

Thanks

[A2022]

Steve,

Do you have the sealed roller bearings on the main gear also? If so, I am curious of the bearing number as they seem to get great life.

Thanks

no, I am still using the original tapered bearings... and they are looking worn. I believe the problem is due to bearing skidding since the cotter pin controls the nut clamp position. I am thinking of slotting the axel cotter pin hole with a Dremel tool to allow for another flat or two of nut tightening to increase the clamp as the bearings wear.

I have been hesitant to use sealed roller bearings on the mains because of the increased side and vertical loading compared to the nose wheel, but perhaps they are good enough for these small planes. I haven't researched it.