Sep 21, 2020     Brake Calipers/Landing Gear Hardware Re-install - (1.5 hours) Category: Landing Gear

Replaced brake caliper hardware with aviation grade bolts. At the beginning I didn't have any AN5-6 or AN6-6 (2 of each for each side). I also used the low profile self locking nut for the brake calipers. Also replaced the rear bolt on the landing gear with the correct length bolt. The previous bolt I had available definitely had more than one thread in the material. Ended up using AN6-26 for front bolt and AN6-25 for rear (1 of each for each side). Also secured with castle nuts since these bolts will be rotating as the landing gear flex during take off and landings. Tightened both down until the landing gear would not free rotate once released from high point. Then backed off to the next clear opening in the castle nut where the landing gear freely fall unhindered.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wyimc4VIgf_mO09RBHwf-8YZADBSrx_Q/view?usp=sharing

  Sep 20, 2020     Brake Calipers/Landing Gear Hardware Re-install - (.3 hour) Category: Landing Gear

Had Maddy help remove the wheels to be able to work on replacing brake caliper and landing gear hardware with correct length bolts and better nuts.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Es3ijGtWBJ2j7_MnUpq03rxh6-XOC2fo/view?usp=sharing

  Sep 06, 2020     Main and Tail wheel install - (2.4 hours)       Category: Landing Gear

Before putting the wheels on, I had to re-pack the bearings. I'll need to get a better bearing packer. I bought one from Autozone and don't think it's for the right type of bearings. It'll work for now. We split the wheels and put on the used tires for now. Took a little effort putting the wheels back together with the inner tubes installed. Once complete, put the wheels onto their axle and installed the tail wheel. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1x8i4p2ABD3JalLjj5-W8sNMWRn-mhe2D/view?usp=sharing

  Sep 05, 2020     Brake Calipers Install - (2.4 hours)       Category: Landing Gear

Installed brake calipers. Used some scrap wood in the vise to protect the landing gear. To try getting the torque plate centered on the axle, I used the packaging card stock from the impact drill ready step drill bit I purchased from harbor freight. Once I had it centered and at the angle I wanted the calipers to sit I clamped it in place and used a 3/8 inch drill bit by hand to mark the center of the hole. Using a long pilot bit, I made a pilot hole then used the step bit to make two 5/16" and two 3/8" holes for the hardware. The Grove brakes came with 4 spacers each if 5/16" bolts are being used. However, most Bearhawk builders are going with two of each. Apparently my drilling skills are terrible, I needed to re-insert the card stock to center the torque plate and use a round file to get the holes to line up properly. After completing the right, I completed the left side doing the same. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rlNxYP_6xHdooIo9q6Ce_n0Pwi-6IA35/view?usp=sharing

  Sep 04, 2020     Shock Struts Fill - (2 hours)       Category: Landing Gear

Filled the shock struts with Automatic Transmission Fluid as called out in the drawings. Used an oil can to get into the small fill hole. This took way longer than I anticipated. The second strut's spring lined up pretty well with a gap right in the middle of the fill hole, the first one was not as lucky and was a little bit slower. Going to let it sit open overnight to see if more air can escape. Also went out looking for old tires to be able to roll around on without buying tires now to then let age. Definitely putting the 850s on first.

  Sep 03, 2020     Shock Struts Finish - (0.4 hour)       Category: Landing Gear

Went out and got a good set of snap ring pliers. Completely worth it. Finished putting the snap ring into the first strut the completed the second strut. The first strut went so smooth this morning that I really wanted to make sure Maddy had some hands on time. Also received by Bob Tail Wheel from Eric Newton. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LZ-BJ3woifvKDpWlyVHnK9ZHdKikqJ8c/view?usp=sharing

  Sep 03, 2020     Shock Struts Start - (0.8 hour) Category: Landing Gear

Started assembling the struts. Used 1000 grit wet/dry sand paper on the edges to make sure nothing damages the o-rings. Used a 1/2"-20 x 2" bolt and a 1/2" drive 3/4" socket to compress the spring before placing in resiviour. Having problems with the snap ring pliers. Now I get why people say to spend money on the good ones.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X5K9jQjVtSZCxCaGlHX_w8yvxhpOiqIQ/view?usp=sharing