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Ask a Tech: Nosewheel Shimmy

Operating out of unimproved runways takes a toll on a Cessna nosewheel, but upgrading the shimmy damper can help over the long term.

Larry Anglisano
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Edited By:

Omar Filipovic

Nosewheel Shimmy Damper

An owner of a vintage Cessna has the rugged mission of hauling work-crew supplies in and out of rough runways and it’s causing real issues with nosewheel shimmy, even after replacing the damper with an OEM part.

“My mechanic has twice replaced the nosewheel shimmy damper with a Cessna replacement but eventually I’m back to where I started—with nosewheel vibration and shimmy,” he told us. Our suggestion is to step it up with an aftermarket replacement.

Larry Anglisano

Editor in Chief Larry Anglisano has been a staple at Aviation Consumer since 1995. An active land, sea and glider pilot, Larry has over 30 years’ experience as an avionics repairman and flight test pilot. He’s the editorial director overseeing sister publications Aviation Safety magazine, IFR magazine and is a regular contributor to KITPLANES magazine with his Avionics Bootcamp column.