Landing gear issue/old style gear.

[Bill Vickland]

I'm in the process of restoring my 67 ECA, and as the fuselage sits in my garage, no engine, no fabric., no metal fuselage cowling, its old style gear is compressed so that only two inches of available cushion is available. Does this suggest that I have a couple of worn springs in there? Also, my service manual does not include this gear type, but does seem to cover everything else. Is there any documentation as
to what I should be doing to care for the gear.
Many thanks for yoour help.
Bill Vickland

 

[Bartman]

Hi Bill,

I’m not familiar enough to comment but you might find this web page helpful.

https://www.hangar9aeroworks.com/Aeroncastrut/Aeroncastrut.html

please let us know how it works out for you. Pics as you go are always of interest to us!

Bart

 

[MA Cantin]

Hi Bill,
Here is another site that we referred to when my Dad and I rebuilt the landing gear on his ‘59 7EC Champ. It has the no bounce style.

https://www.aeroncal16a.co.uk/rebuilding-the-starboard-oleo

Hope this helps.

 

[BB57]

I have not flown an oleo gear equipped Citabria (a '65 7GCBC) for about 30 years. However, a couple inches visible on the ground sounds pretty normal. If I recall correctly, 2-3 finger widths is as good as it gets.

The gear extends in the air, and the oleo absorbs the energy from the *first* touchdown, and then sits only on the spring. If you really do bounce, there will be very little oleo response on the next touchdown.

If you get down to a finger width or less sitting on the ground, then you probably need new springs.

As an aside, coming from a Supercubs and Super Cruisers with bungee gear, and from a spring steel 7GCBC, I really struggled with wheel landings in the oleo geared Citabria as it felt different and really messed with my timing or forward stick pressure to hold it on.

 

[Bob Turner]

I don't like them much either. You will get used to it.

The J4 has oleos - I don't really understand them yet, but I did re-spring one side. Filled it with fluid, it all leaked out in short order, and operationally I couldn't tell the difference.

If you have the bucks, the spring aluminum gear legs are the best. I converted my Dec and couldn't be happier!