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U-1004 axle nut and Sky Design Wheel pants

R

RNB

Well Known Member
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Background: Brakes went bad, as part of this one of my wheel pants went bad. I've been waiting to get new Matco brakes prior to putting on my new wheel pants and gear leg fairings, the brakes are taking much longer than expected so I am forging ahead putting the wheel pants on. I bought the wheel pants from Sky Designs Aero.

THe outboard hinge bracket goes onto Vans part U-1004. On my plane I think I have two styles of Axle nuts, one is short and stubby similar to this not available product (https://store.vansaircraft.com/obsolete-order-u-01004-replaces-combines-a-b-u-1004a.html)

The other is one piece and includes a much longer standoff like this: https://store.vansaircraft.com/u-01004-axle-nut-standoff-u-01004.html

The directions for the Sky Designs Aero show a picture that makes it look like I need to use what I assume is the older style axle nut. Picture attached.


So, here is what I hope for.
Has anyone installed these wheel pants before? Am I reading these plans right?
What is my work around?
If the work around is using the old style axle nuts, does anyone have these laying around?
Can I buy the new style, cut off the extension and somehow thread what remains?
I've never cut threads...yet
 

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I don't know the answer to your question, although I suspect it's likely to be the stand-off version as there is typically quite a gap between the wheel hub and the spat. But... what I would like to say is that if I were doing my spats again today I would make them fit that stand-off nut AND I would rivet a locating cup onto the spat bracket.

The Bolkow 209 we own was built by Messerschmitt Bolkow Blohm in 1972 and as we all know, the Germans are great engineers. On the outboard attachment they have a little cup that the Axle nut fits into and the bolt secures the spat, cup and axle nut together. This makes the intersection very secure and it means the support of the spat is not left to just the surface area under the bolt. Those of you who have the older style wheel spats will understand why this is a problem area.

I can sketch something up if you need to see a picture for this to make sense.
 
planenutz said:
I don't know the answer to your question, although I suspect it's likely to be the stand-off version as there is typically quite a gap between the wheel hub and the spat. But... what I would like to say is that if I were doing my spats again today I would make them fit that stand-off nut AND I would rivet a locating cup onto the spat bracket.

The Bolkow 209 we own was built by Messerschmitt Bolkow Blohm in 1972 and as we all know, the Germans are great engineers. On the outboard attachment they have a little cup that the Axle nut fits into and the bolt secures the spat, cup and axle nut together. This makes the intersection very secure and it means the support of the spat is not left to just the surface area under the bolt. Those of you who have the older style wheel spats will understand why this is a problem area.

I can sketch something up if you need to see a picture for this to make sense.
Click to expand...

Yeah, your word choices make it awkward for me to understand what you are saying.
Here is a mock up of the brackets and a tire. I dont think there is enough room for the axle nut currently sold, and I dont think it is what I see in the plans, photo of which I attached before.
 

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RNB said:
Yeah, your word choices make it awkward for me to understand what you are saying.
Click to expand...

Yeah, sorry about that, you 'Mericans often find it hard to understand us Kiwi's. We talk fast. I'll type this slowly for you. :D

Hopefully this quick sketch might help. I've turned it upside down for you since we're on the other side of the world, so it should look right side up on your screen:

1000003807.jpg

The cup, made from aluminium (not aluminum) would suit that Grove Axle Nut perfectly. Instead of relying on the friction and the relatively small surface area under your spat bracket bolt, the cup takes the load. The cup is fixed to either the spat (on the older versions) or in your case, riveted to the bracket on the right side of your tire in the photo. This simple addition prevents a lot of future wear and maintenance.

Hope it helps. Also hope you have a sense of humour. :D
 
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