Nose gear fork reinforcement and bracket cracks

[dnickerson46]

I did not build my -9A and during the recent condition inspection, I found the nose wheel fairing brackets were cracked. The original builder created two separate brackets on each side of the fairing and riveted the brackets to the fairing. The cracks are most likely caused by the back and forth motion and vibration between the brackets. I ordered new brackets and I'm installing the brackets per the plans. By the way, the metal was very brittle.



Here is a picture of the nose fork. It has a extra reinforcement that is not in the plans. Was this plate recommended at some point?

 

[PaulvS]

I did not build my -9A and during the recent condition inspection, I found the nose wheel fairing brackets were cracked. The original builder created two separate brackets on each side of the fairing and riveted the brackets to the fairing. The cracks are most likely caused by the back and forth motion and vibration between the brackets. I ordered new brackets and I'm installing the brackets per the plans. By the way, the metal was very brittle.

View attachment 73201View attachment 73202

Here is a picture of the nose fork. It has a extra reinforcement that is not in the plans. Was this plate recommended at some point?
View attachment 73200

I don't believe that extra plate was ever recommended by Vans but perhaps the builder used it as a shim to try to make the nose pant fit. It doesn't appear to be welded on and the purpose is unclear.

Did you get the new style nose wheel pant brackets, viz?

Nosewheel Pant Bracket

Also Replaces: U-813C-L

store.vansaircraft.com

 

[recapen]

Paul's reference to the new bracket will help a lot.
Make sure the breakout force is high enough.
Some have also added balance weight to the front part.

 

[dnickerson46]

I don't believe that extra plate was ever recommended by Vans but perhaps the builder used it as a shim to try to make the nose pant fit. It doesn't appear to be welded on and the purpose is unclear.

Did you get the new style nose wheel pant brackets, viz?

Nosewheel Pant Bracket

Also Replaces: U-813C-L

store.vansaircraft.com

Yes, I ordered and received the new brackets. I'll be installing these new brackets on existing wheel pant fairing.