All,
This is a follow up to my previous posts regarding the ever loosening nose gear to nose strut connection point.

Brief review:
My factory over center link to nose strut connection has worn since I have had my 235/320 in service. After talking with other flyers it appears this is happening with many of the 235,320/360 models in the fleet. Some more than others. With the airplane on jacks I can move the nose gear tire forward and aft due to slop in the linkage. Upon further inspection the steel ears of the nose strut are wearing slightly. The connection hole in the forward end of the of the aluminum over center link is also wearing slightly. With the geometry of the nose gear, a small amount of slop translates into significant play at the wheel. With the help of a fellow aircraft builder/engineer we redesigned the forward section of the over center link. (Ok I told him about the problem and he did the work) The designer that did the work did much of the design work on the upgraded landing gear on the Stuart P-51. He does very nice work. Anyway, the part is cut out of solid 6061. The new part is basically the same as the original except the front has a lobe on it with a pre oiled brass bushing pressed in it. Through this bushing runs a steel sleeve that is about 10/1000 wider than the link. This fits snugly in between the ears on the strut whereby you can bolt it solidly eliminating that as a wear point. ( I still used a castle nut there see pic)You have now moved the wear point to the bushing which rotates on the stationary steel sleeve. If the thing ever wears and gets loose ( I doubt it will) you can press in a standard replacement bushing. The steel sleeve is also a stock size except it's length. This should solve the problem long term.

I have attached a handful of pictures of my installation for review. 
So far most of the people I have shown the part to wants one. My plan is to get a count of everyone that wants one by months end and have the lot made up. (235,320/360 use the same part) If you are interested in getting one, please contact me directly off line. They will be $98 each which will include the part ready for installation including the steel sleeve.

Hope everyone is having a great summer!!!

Cheers!
Randy L. Snarr
235/320 OSH Bronze Lindy Winner (still grinning)
Salt Lake City, Utah
801 916 5900

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