TM 1-1500-204-23-1
b.
Wheel Inspection. Inspect aircraft wheels
for corrosion, cracks, distortion and damage using the
following procedures:
(1)
Visually Inspect wheel thoroughly for
signs of corrosion, which can be identified by formation
of pits in the metal and a powdery substance in and
around exposed areas. Corrosion in split type wheel
usually will be found in the tie bolt area, torque key area,
bearing cavity area, and seal (tubeless tire) area.
Corrosion in these areas is considered critical.
(2)
Visually inspect wheel for indications
of cracks, using at least a six-power magnifying glass.
(3)
Visually Inspect for distortion and
other damage.
c.
Repair of Wheels. Repair aircraft wheels in
accordance with the applicable maintenance manual
and the following procedures
(1)
Etching, corrosion, and minor defects
are to be removed to relieve all sharp corners or
indention’s which might result in concentration of
stresses. Use 100-grit emery cloth, followed by final
polishing with 240 grit emery cloth so as to maintain
repair limitations.
NOTE
Above rework limits are for use on all
wheels which do not have repair
limitations in the specific aircraft
maintenance manual.
(2)
Chemical
film-treat
bare
metal
surfaces, followed by painting.
d.
Replacement
Cntena
for
Wheels.
Replacement criteria for wheels with corrosion, cracks,
distortion, and other damage is explained in the
applicable maintenance manual.
(1)
Corrosion. Wheel Is unserviceable If
it cannot be repaired within limits specified in applicable
maintenance manual
(2)
Cracks. If any cracks are found,
wheel should be condemned. If any questionable
indication of a crack is found, wheel should be inspected
further by means of fluorescent penetrants. Cracks
present in spilt-type wheel usually are located In the tie
bolt area, torque key area, and webbing and spoke area.
Refer
to
TM
55-1500-335-23,
Nondestructive
Inspection Methods.
(3)
Distortion. Check wheel carefully for
distortion Replace any wheel with this condition.
(4)
Damage. Replace any wheel having
dents, nicks, burrs, or scratches if the damage cannot
be repaired within limits specified in applicable
maintenance manual.
NOTE
If one wheel half is determined
nonrepairable, replace both halves.
9-9. Tires and Tubes. Aircraft tires, tubeless or tube
type, provide a cushion of air that helps absorb the
shocks and roughness of landings and takeoffs they
support the weight of the aircraft while on the ground
and provide the necessary traction for braking and
stopping aircraft on landing.
a.
Cleaning. Clean aircraft tires and tubes in
accordance with the applicable maintenance manual.
b.
Inspection. Inspection of tires and tubes is
explained In the following paragraphs.
(1)
Tire Inspection. Inspect tires for leaks
or damage at valve, tread damage, sidewall damage,
and uneven wear when tire is mounted on wheel. When
tire is dismounted probe all damages to determine their
extent. Repair damage if necessary. Inspect for bulges,
broken cords, and bead damage.
(2)
Tube inspection. Inspect tubes for
proper size, wrinkles, chafing, and thinning. Examine
the tube carefully around the valve stem for leaks, signs
of valve pad separation, and bent or damaged valve
stems.
c.
Balance. Balance in aircraft tires and tubes
is very important. From a wear standpoint, when the
wheels are in landing position a heavy spot in a wheel
assembly will have a tendency to remain at the bottom
and thus will always strike the ground or runway first.
This results in severe wear at one area of the tire tread
and can necessitate early replacement In addition,
unbalanced tires can cause severe vibration which may
affect the operation of the aircraft.
d.
Valve Cores. Valve cores must be replaced
if leaks are present in the valve stem. Always inspect
the valve to be sure the threads are not damaged;
otherwise, the valve core and valve cap will not fit
properly. If threads are damaged, the valve can usually
be rethreaded, inside or outside, by use of a valve repair
9-11
