Nose Strut Pressure

[stackj]

Mark,

I remove the access door directly behind the nose gear door and reach up to the top of the strut with an automotive valve extender in hand (about 1/2 to 3/4 inch long). I screw the valve extender on and that extends the valve allowing me to service it with a regular air hose fitting.

I would also recommend that you use only nitrogen to service the strut. It is dry, which results in reduced potential corrosion inside the strut and it lasts longer than plain old compressed air.

I usually find that I cannot get the strut to compress after being filled to 35 psi with the strut extended. I relieve pressure until the strut shows about 4 inches of extension after pulling down on the nose and releasing. Be careful! just tap the valve core lightly until you get the result you want. The nose strut is not a large volume cylinder and the position can change very quickly.

DONT FORGET TO REMOVE THE VALVE EXTENDER and replace the valve cap before closing up the access door.