Service Bulletins 19-08-26 and 16-05-23 Published - Nose gear leg and fork

[greghughespdx]

Originally Posted by Brett H

Is the installation procedure any different if this new nose gear leg is the original installation rather than being a retro fit (i.e. I haven’t installed the original nose gear leg yet)?

Yes, it is different. You should install the same gear leg version we are shipping with new finishing kits. It will have the holes already in it, which you then use to drill the holes in the firewall since you have not yet completed that step.

So, if you have your original gear leg that has not yet been installed, please call us and we can set up an order for just the new gear leg. You will not need the retrofit kit, since you are not retrofitting and already installed leg. We will send you the new gear leg, which we now include in our kits:

RV-12, you will need nose gear leg part no. WD-1201-1-PC (price $325.00) and BAG 982 (price $3.00).
RV-12iS, you will need only the nose gear leg part no. WD-1201-1-PC (price $325.00)

If you have already installed your gear leg/mount (you've drilled the holes in the firewall, you need the retrofit kit outlined in the SB and in my original post above.

[RFSchaller]

Without a photo of the failure it?s difficult to visualize why crack initiation can?t be determined visually at annual inspection. Any insight on that?

[DonFromTX]

Greg I want to thank you for your detailed easy to follow explanation for the service bulletin. I am sure others will agree with me and are thankful to you as well. Sure makes a bitter pill much easier to swallow!,

[greghughespdx]

Originally Posted by RFSchaller

Without a photo of the failure it?s difficult to visualize why crack initiation can?t be determined visually at annual inspection. Any insight on that?

The crack forms internal to the welded assembly in an area of the tube that is completely obscured from view by the weld and the lower mounting plate. It is impossible to see a crack externally prior to failure of the part.

[pilotyoung]

Greg,

Thank you for the detailed explanation and answer to my question. I do appreciate it.

[Brett H]

Greg;

Many thanks for the detailed response.

Brett
Columbus Indiana

[hiline]

Originally Posted by greghughespdx

The crack forms internal to the welded assembly in an area of the tube that is completely obscured from view by the weld and the lower mounting plate. It is impossible to see a crack externally prior to failure of the part.

Thanks Greg,for the info you have provided!
Tony

[NinerBikes]

120836 ordered today... first lot or batch is completely sold out... estimate 4 to 6 weeks before next batch is complete and ours then gets shipped.

Annual inspection in March.....

Going to have some lightly used nose gear and fork for sale soon. Only 216 hours, no student landings , grass, gravel, or bush pilot exposure, ever, experienced 2000 + hour AP for pilot. LOL!

ELT 407 battery replaced, 5 yrs old, check.... VR replaced, 216 hrs, check... all new front landing gear ordered, check.

Wondering out loud how much of me is going to have to squeeze in to match drill those holes from inside near the center near the footwells, as the owner is now 72, and not going to go crawl in there to do it. Hope some smart feller's that ordered first and have February Annuals can provide some feed back and or links to pictures hosted to give us a clue what we are up against.

Have any RV-7A or 9A's had to have replacement front wheel strut or forks recalled and replaced?

[df381rv]

I would sure like to hear from someone that has already performed the front gear leg replacement and their experience with it, and if any difficulties or advice.

Anyone on the forum done the replacement yet?

[RFSchaller]

Thanks, Greg. You are creating a lot of good will for the mothership by being so open.

I never would have thought the crack would start on the inside wall.