This month’s Ask a Tech feature focuses on airframe and avionics issues. While not overly complex, the wrong troubleshooting effort could derail the ultimate fix. IA Mike Berry and avionics Repairman Larry Anglisano weigh in. First, to the front end of a Piper single.
The nose strut on a Piper PA-32-260 keeps going flat. There are no visible fluid leaks and the aircraft’s owner reports that the strut’s Schrader valve was replaced several years ago when he had this same symptom. Now, it was suggested that the strut needs to be rebuilt, and the owner assumes that means replacing the O-rings. But he asks that if the O-rings were the problem, shouldn’t there be evidence of fluid on the strut? Further, can the strut develop a small crack that would allow the nitrogen to escape without leaving a fluid stain?