Figure 11-29.—Inner tube vent ridges.
to locate small leaks. If the tube is too large to be
submerged, spread soapy water over the entire surface
and examine carefully for air bubbles. The valve
stem and valve base should be swished around to
break any temporary seals. The tube should be
checked for bent or broken valve stems and stems
with damaged threads.
Serviceable Tubes
Inner tubes should be classified as serviceable if
they are found to be free of leaks and other defects
when they are inflated with the minimum amount of
nitrogen required to round out the tube and water
checked.
Nonserviceable Tubes
Nonserviceable tubes may be repairable or
nonrepairable.
Nonserviceable tubes with the
following defects should be classified as repairable:
• Bent, chafed, or damaged metal valve threads
• Replaceable leaking valve cores
Nonserviceable tubes with the following defects
should be classified as nonrepairable:
• Any tear, cut, or puncture that completely
penetrates the tube
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Fabric-reinforced tubes with blisters greater
than one-half inch in diameter in the reinforced
area
Chafed or pinched areas caused by beads or tire
breaks
Valve stems pulled out of fabric-base tubes
Deterioration or thinning due to brake heat
Folds or creases
Severe surface cracking
No balance marker
RECOMMENDED READING LIST
NOTE: Although the following references
current when this TRAMAN was published,
were
their
continued currency cannot be assured. Therefore,
you need to be sure that you are studying the latest
revision.
Aircraft Wheels, NAVAIR 04-10-1, Commander,
Naval Air Systems Command, Washington, D.C.,
1 January 1989, Rapid Action Change 18, 16 Jun
1992. Sections I, II, and III.
Aircraft Tires and Tubes, NAVAIR 04-10-506,
Commander, Naval Air Systems Command,
Washington, D. C., 1 December 1989, Change 2,
1 February 1992.
11-29
