Since building my 320, I'd noticed
the free-play in the main gear while on the jackstand. Not an
excessive amount, but enough to bother me. Most of it
originated at the lower gear leg attachment, but there was also some at
the overcenter link attachment to the gear leg. I decided to see
if that free-play would be appreciably reduced by the use of close
tolerance bolts - it was. They eliminated about 80% of the free-play at
each lower gear leg attachment and almost 100% at the overcenter link
attachment (there was also a slight amount in the rod end bearing itself. I
wasn't impressed with the quality of the one supplied with the kit and
replaced it with a Heim HME-6 which had virtually no free-play). I also installed close tolerance bolts at
the upper and lower shock attachments and at the overcenter link
pivot.
I had almost no free play at the nose
gear overcenter link attachment, but installed a close tolerance bolt there
also and it only improved the condition.
Aircraft Spruce does not stock many
close tolerance bolts, I purchased mine from Genuine Aircraft Hardware,
which has all sizes and lengths. I think they are a great thing and might
install them throughout the airframe in the future.
Bill Rumburg
N403WR (Sonic bOOm)