Aquilla front shock absorbers

[KlapperKnop]

How often does one have to rebuld front shock absorbers on an Aquilla? I found my front shocks to "shudder" on tar runways when I apply brake. The centre pivot bolt is secure and is not causing this "shudder". I had a look at the Aquilla part lists but I am not sure what type or the composition of this shock is. Can one rebuilt this shock? I do not want to strip the shock until I am sure what I am rebuilding. Please advise.

[bobthebuilder]

Maybe give the agents a call. They will be anle to give you the best advice. Not sure when Micro Craft will open though.

Is the shudder not related to worn brake pads maybe?

[KlapperKnop]

Maybe give the agents a call. They will be anle to give you the best advice. Not sure when Micro Craft will open though.

Is the shudder not related to worn brake pads maybe?

Hi Byron, thanks for you reply; Ihave subsequent spoken to Alex Rudd and it appears I have to clean the rubbers inside the sleeve. I have check also if the brake drum is oval. Thanks

[bobthebuilder]

Either way, sounds easy enough.

[factory-fit]

If it is the same item they use on the GT450, they can be rebuilt.

P&M have got the GT and Quik through Section S, but that doesn't mean the front suspension is OK over rough stuff. Mine sagged two thirds of the travel when two on board and full fuel.
Did a mod (approved in the UK) to upgrade the suspension, and quite a few inspectors and other folk with rough strips followed, 42 aircraft done now. They buy the springs and I do the conversion for free as a hobby job. Owed a few beers at fly-ins...

All you do is trim 19mm off the outer shroud, add an outer spring and reassemble. The outer casing is crimped inwards and hold the shock unit together, and the inner spring is 'screwed' onto pegs in each end. You undo the ends by putting a driver through each end bush and rotating them like undoing a bolt and nut several turns until the ends disconnect with a click.

Use a sharp Stanley boxcutter knife to ream out the alloy crimp in the shroud and they will pull apart for cleaning and regreasing.

Will try and attach the recipe here

Cheers

Kev Armstrong
UK

Dismantled shock1.JPG (16.73 KiB) Viewed 951 times

[ZULU1]

Alex is correct, they probably need silicon spray, but the shudder is caused by the brake drum, i have taken plenty to pieces, the drum corrodes on the coast and it does tend to buckle as well. Factory fit the front shocks on a Aquilla are pretty rugged and dont normally sink in service, they are telescopic, what does happen with a heavy landing is the front axle can bend. I think Aiden designed in this as a safety feature. Totally different to a UK machine in design.