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Excellent points, Bill
Needless to say, I totally agree. I originally had the
nylon hose (as called for) for some of the inside lines - until I pulled one off
its furell just by tugging on it. Have had folks report that the nylon
hose when heated tends to swell and cause leaks. But, in any case, I am
using flexible stainless steel braided hose for the entire length from
master cylinder to brake piston.
Easy to see how an aircraft could easily be consumed with the
wing tanks just ahead of the wheel assembly.
Ed
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, June 24, 2005 11:27
AM
Subject: [FlyRotary] Re: Brake Line
Incident Photos
David, it was aluminum tubing which is what's called
for on the RV-6A brake system. However, in hindsight - thinking
about the low fatigue life of flexing aluminum, I think there are better
choices.
Ed
Ed,
As an ex-racer I must admit that I have been constantly appalled by
the state of GA aircraft braking systems! I have done programs on brake
systems at my EAA chapter advising against the solid tube brake setups. The
only thing I find worse is the nylon tubing included in some of the kits! I
would not use these systems on a kiddie go-kart. I have constantly been told
by many of my fellow builders that the pressure in aircraft brakes is "low".
Or aircraft brakes don't see as much action as car or motorcycle brakes. My
response has always been, "It only takes one failure to ruin your whole day."
I am truly sorry you had to be the poster boy for what I've been harping
about.
You can use solid tube for almost the entire system. One needs only
a short flex line on both ends to ensure proper operation. Earls and aeroquip
both make a transition fitting so you can run the ss braided line for only a
foot or so on each end. Don't compromise here guys! Bill Randolf the guy who
flew his RV-8 around the world was stranded in Tahiland for 2 weeks due to an
almost identical brake failure. He had the same brake fire, and when the plane
spun on the runway he lost both tires. (standard gear) Be careful with the
brakes.
Bill Jepson
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