After 330 hours on my Legacy I started weeping fork oil from the hex bolts which  are in a row along the length of the main gear strut. Speaking with Justin he informed me that Essco is no longer a supplier to Lancair and these struts wear and need rebuilding pretty regularly at something like 250-300 hours. I would like to know what others experience has been.  Justin indicated that the rebuilding can be difficult  and most people send them back to Lancair.  has anyone rebuilt these and if so any insight would be helpful. Also any news from people using the newer strut?

Peter,

 

I have an ESCO strut on my 320.  It is similar.  If you are talking about the safety wired bolts on the front of the strut note that they have a seal associated with each.  One recommendation is to buy such seals from Lancair and replace those on the strut (after all pressure is relieved - i.e. service the strut and do one bolt at a time). 

 

I once had such a wee leak from around those bolts and I cut the safety wire, tightened each about 1/6 turn and re safetied - I then replaced the fluid and nitrogen in the strut.  That was accomplished over 60 hours ago with no recurrent leak as of yet. 

 

One should check all external bolts/allen screws/clamps and make sure they are torqued up properly.

 

I would have to check my log, but I am sure I have more than 400 hours on my current strut.

 

Good Luck,