Brake & Wheel Pants Mount Damage

[Murray Parr]

There are lots flying successfully out there but I beefed mine up because I'm a fraidy-cat!

How did you beef them up? I'm considering just taking it to a local machine shop to fix it. It's critical that the hole is exactly in the right place to match the hole in the brake assembly and wheel pants mount.

I used the Tracey O'brien axles with their Sonex plate with 4 bolt holes welded on. Not sure if they are still in business or not. Could probably weld a new plate on if you can get the alignment of the plate correct.

The other benefit to the Tracey O'brien axle is the axle goes through to the inside which allows for a handy jacking point. I can jack mine up with the wheel pants on.

[Hambone]

Got the other one off. Now I know what it is supposed to look like!

[Hambone]

I'm going to take them to a local machine shop and have them fabricate and weld on a 4-bolt square, not unlike the Tracy O'Brien mod. That looks pretty straightforward. Regarding the elongated holes, someone at the airport here suggested having the machine shop weld washers over the holes to make them round again.

I can only think this damage came from excessive side loads during landing. I don't think wheel braking could have caused this. Also, the bolt on the bad side that secures the axle assembly to the gear leg was bent, which is why I had difficulty getting it out.

[WaiexN143NM]

Hi hambone,
Please read all the posts on this subject, put axle tab in the search box above .

Good luck with your repairs and flying again.





Michael.

[Hambone]

Thanks, Michael. I'll look those up.

It's somewhat reassuring to see that I'm not the only one with this problem!

[bvolcko38]

That damage looks like the wheel must have come off at sometime and all the loads were carried by the brake assembly JMHO

[QuinnG]

added: i found on the web http://www.Tracyobrienmarinedesign.com
on webpage they indicated they produce aircraft axles landing gear and motor mounts.
i messaged them asking if they making these parts for sonex. awaiting reply.
WaiexN143NM
Michael.

That website looks unfinished, I don't think the messaging is set up properly to actually get anything sent to Tracy O'Brien. If anyone knows him and he wants help, I'd be happy to help him get his site set up. Sorry I don't have anything useful to add to the brake issue, but it makes me want to beef mine up before anything happens.

[Hambone]

I did send a message on the incomplete website, too.

I’m going to a machine shop today. I don’t think it will be difficult for them to fabricate and weld a stronger 3- or 4-bolt brake mount to the axle assembly. I think it could be a triangle instead of a square, as there are only 3 mounting bolt holes in the brake housing. I’m hoping I don’t have to take one off the brakes in, as that would require draining them.

[Bryan Cotton]

Let them weld on the square or triangle (or circle), and transfer the holes from your caliper to the new piece.

Bill to me it looks like one side of the tab cracked and the torque from braking unrolled the tab. How can a Sonex brake caliper retain the wheel? They are single sided.

[Hambone]

Bryan - do you mean have them weld the piece on, then I drill the holes? I’m trying to avoid disconnecting the hydraulic line.