Citabria 7ECA landing Gear Support Tubing Corrosion

[Clippin]

I have a Citabria 7CEA with spring steel landing gear and we check the torque on the through bolt and the 2 U bar bolts every annual inspection and they are always tight.

Problem is I have noticed corrosion where the landing gear sets on the square tubing at the U bolt area.

Removed the landing gear and it has chewed through the fabric that wraps around the square tubing and also through the powder coating so bare metal is showing and the tubing is corroded. Going to clean it up and see what I got.

Question – is there a way to prevent the landing gear from doing this where it sets on the square tubing?

Thanks - Tom

 

[Bob Turner]

I replaced my gear legs about a decade ago, and do not remember any issues in that area. Is this a common problem, or do we think his U-bolts were slightly loose?

If there is enough movement in that area to cause bare metal to show, the only cure would be an anti corrosive oil.

I am assuming by U bolt you mean the bar, held by MS bolts? U bolts are problematic.

 

[Clippin]

Yes, it has the bar with the 2 MS bolts and we check torque at every annual including this one and it was torqued to spec.

Not sure if this is a common problem on other Citabrias.

Seems like if I remove the corrosion, epoxy prime and top coat the area it will just do it again.

 

[Bob Turner]

Check the torque with weight off the wheels?

 

[Clippin]

Yes, I have the jack adapter that hooks to the fuselage strut fitting and jack it up there so the gear is hanging free when checking torque.

 

[Tangogawd]

Assuming the tubing is good, I would do as you said. A good epoxy primer and paint should be all it needs.