7KCAB Front Lift Struts- Steel vs Aluminum

[ARonan]

Hello all,

I am wondering if anyone has any experience with aluminum vs steel front lift struts??

I recently purchased a 1970 7KCAB project, it came with the original steel struts and I wondering if they are worth changing?
Either way I plan on blasting them down to check for any rust/soft spots.

I am looking to use it for mild aerobatics and just want to do any necessary upgrades at this point in the build.

Thanks!

 

[Tangogawd]

If the steal struts are in good shape, I would just run those. Struts are VERY easy to replace on a flying airplane.

You will likely have unforeseen costs and project creep..... just ask anyone here!

 

[Bob Turner]

Struts are VERY easy to replace on a flying airplane.

Maybe, but almost trivial when it is in a hangar.

 

[VMO/MMO]

being a rather important part and under $1,000 each might be wise to change them. The current inspection methods may miss corrosion.
Read this accident report:

Piper Cub Wing Strut Fails –TSB Issues Safety Advisory – COPA

copanational.org

 

[Bob Turner]

You need to look at the photo of the corroded area on that one. Pipers have an AD - it is a lot like the spar AD we endure - a couple fatal accidents due to extremely poor inspection procedures and the entire fleet is subjected to an onerous, almost impossible to do inspection.

If you properly inspect your lift struts, they will last a very long time - maybe longer than the fuselage. Not sure a Champ lift strut has ever failed in flight.