doors, hydraulic lines, and electrical connections.
Lubricate all reinstalled linkages, and check the landing
gear for proper operation.
SERVICING, BLEEDING, AND INSPECTING
SHOCK STRUTS
For efficient operation of shock struts, the proper
fluid level and pneumatic pressure must be maintained.
Before you check the fluid level, you should consult the
aircraft MIM. Deflating a strut can be a dangerous
operation unless the servicing personnel are thoroughly
familiar with high-pressure air valves and observe all
the necessary safety precautions.
Servicing
The high-pressure air valve shown in figure 13-14
is used on most naval aircraft. This air valve is used on
struts, accumulators, and various other components that
must be serviced with high-pressure air or nitrogen.
The following procedures for deflating a typical
shock strut, servicing with hydraulic fluid, and
reinflating is for instructional purposes only. See figure
13-15. For specific aircraft, consult the appropriate
Figure 13-15.--Servicing a landing gear strut.
aircraft MIM.
1. Position the aircraft so that the shock struts are
NOTE: Some aircraft must be placed on jacks with
in the normal ground operating position. Ensure that
their struts completely extended for servicing.
personnel, workstands, and other obstacles are clear of
2. Remove the cap from the air valve, as shown in
the aircraft.
view A of figure 13-15.
3. Release the air pressure in the strut by slowly
turning the air valve swivel nut counterclockwise
approximately 2 turns. This action can normally be
accomplished with the use of a combination wrench.
WARNING
When loosening the swivel nut, ensure that the
3/4-inch hex body nut is either lockwired in place or
held tightly with a wrench. If the swivel nut is
loosened before the air pressure has been released,
serious injury may result to personnel.
4. Ensure that the shock strut compresses as the
air or nitrogen pressure is released. In some cases, it
may be necessary to rock the aircraft after deflating to
ensure complete compressing of the strut.
Figure 13-14.--High-pressure air valve, type MS 28889.
13-15
