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  #1  
Old 10-29-2009, 01:13 AM
Camillo Camillo is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Roma, Italy
Posts: 510
Default Why tape for securing al. tube to gear legs?

I'm completing the installation of brake lines along gear legs and was wondering why Van's tells us to secure it along its travel with electrical tape instead of tie wrap, for instance. I believe that the latter would grant a better grip...
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  #2  
Old 10-29-2009, 04:22 AM
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Michael White Michael White is offline
 
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Location: Cartersville, Georgia KVPC
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Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Camillo View Post
I'm completing the installation of brake lines along gear legs and was wondering why Van's tells us to secure it along its travel with electrical tape instead of tie wrap, for instance. I believe that the latter would grant a better grip...
Electrical tape won't chafe the aluminum brake lines and cause holes later on.
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  #3  
Old 10-29-2009, 04:28 AM
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carguy614 carguy614 is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Shallotte NC
Posts: 594
Default You'll see why.....

at condition inspection. The constant flexing of the gear legs will work any fastener to death at this location. I found I had to retape the brake lines after about 200 landings. It was then apparent how much movement there was relative to the 2 parts. This time I used a half strip of Gorilla Tape (super thick duct tape with very sticky adhesive) at 3 locations down the leg.
I am sure there are alternatives that others will tell us about, but for me, I think the solution is Vans recommended tape. I am using Bonaco flex lines down the gearleg.

Regards,
Chris
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  #4  
Old 10-29-2009, 05:09 AM
tinman tinman is offline
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 496
Default

I am using the fiber reinforced strap tape. So far, so good...
I made some stand-offs out of clear plastic tubing which I split length-wise and put over the aluminum tube. This keeps the aluminum tube from rubbing against the flexing legs.
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  #5  
Old 10-29-2009, 05:58 AM
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jsharkey jsharkey is offline
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Bennington, Vermont USA
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Default Taper

The legs are tapered so simple clamps or wraps would tend to slip down evetually. At least the tape sticks - for a while. I also twisted some safety wire over the top of the tape.
Jim Sharkey
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  #6  
Old 10-29-2009, 06:48 AM
Camillo Camillo is offline
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Roma, Italy
Posts: 510
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Thanks to all.
Ok. I went with tape. We will see how long it will last...

Edit 07 15 2010: I also went with Bonaco gear legs brake lines (still not installed...).
__________________
RV4 IO-320, Catto 3-blade, Christen, I-BILT
Flight time: 1 hour
Status: test flights
www.rv4.it

ROME, Italy
---
RV9A O-320 D1A, Hartzell C/S prop, slider, I-PRCA
Flight time: 350 hours
Status: SOLD
http://nuke.rv9.it

Last edited by Camillo : 07-15-2010 at 08:42 AM.
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