Beringer Brake Kit: Bulkhead Fittings Compatibility Issue

[grayforge]

I initially mentioned these concerns in another thread. Now that I've heard back from Beringer and they confirmed my suspicions, I figured it deserves its own thread.

I like to double check things before assembling. Call me a second guesser. After hearing that Beringer brake kits have metric fittings, I checked for myself. While the banjo fittings may be metric, the hose fittings look to be -3 AN. However, the supplied bulkhead fittings are 45 degree (automotive) vs 37 degree for AN.

After a few email conversations with Beringer, some tests and photographs escalated the issue to Claire who quickly responded that this is indeed an issue and thanked me for bringing it to their attention. They are already sending me replacement bulkhead fittings. It'd be a good idea for those with Beringer brakes to check their bulkhead fittings. I bought my kit shortly after Oshkosh 2014.

Here's the testing info I sent them to demonstrate the incompatibility:

Freshly colored (with Sharpie) supplied 45 degree bulkhead fitting:



After connecting it to one of Beringer's 37 degree -3 AN hose end fittings. Note that they contacted only at a thin line.



Here's a proper 37 degree fitting showing that it contacted along the whole area:



And finally, a diagram showing the issue with using a 45 degree fitting with a 37 degree fitting:

[grayforge]

Update on this issue:

I received the replacement bulkhead fittings in May... They were slightly different looking than the originals, but interestingly, they were also incorrect: 45 degree, automotive fittings.

So Beringer contacted the manufacturer to have them build proper fittings. Luckily, I'm not at the stage where I need these, as I'm still waiting.

Everyone should check their bulkhead fittings to see whether they are the incorrect part or not.

Regards,
Russ

[gfb]

Which bulkhead fittings are these? The ones that go from the fuse to the outside of the airplane?

[grayforge]

Yes. Exactly.