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The main reason nitrogen (N2), and not air, is used in struts is because of
what it lacks. Specifically water and oxygen. If you fill a strut from
compressed air, particularly from a bicycle pump (no tank to condense the
moisture), particularly in a tropical climate (high humidity), you will put
a lot of moisture and oxygen into the strut. This is a perfect recipe for
corrosion and seal failure due to abrasion on the cylinder wall and shaft.
If you use air, don't be surprised if your strut starts leaking in a year
(and don't blame Lancair as it is your own damn fault ;)

Compressed dry nitrogen is also the cheapest of the nobel gasses, due to
it's abundance in the atmosphere.

Auto racers use dry nitrogen in tires because as the tire heats up it
changes pressure less, and more predictably, than moisture laden air.

Most FBOs have N2 to fill jet tires or you can buy a small N2 cylinder,
regulator and high pressure hose to service your strut. Pay now or pay later
but pay you will.

BTW, struts should be filled with motorcycle fork oil, not MIL-5606 as
mentioned in a previous post.

Regards
Brent Regan

LML website:   http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html
LML Builders' Bookstore:   http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair

Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.