Bungie Replacement (PA-30)

[David Pfeffer]

Hey Gang,
New PA-30 owner. I'm an A&P, but haven't changed out the bungies on a Comanche before. Need to do so at annual. I researched the forum and was surprised to not see a whole lot on it. Maybe it's just that simple! I read many members (slowly) cut the bungies to remove them (10 or so strands at a time). I just ordered the Boger Aviation tool, so that's a start.

Does everyone swap them out while gear down, or partially retract to bring the pulleys closer together? How do you get the bungie off the tool when back on?

I guess the short answer question is does anyone have a mini tutorial for bungie cord replacement in the PA-30? I probably should just wait until the tool arrives. There may be half descent instructions in it.

Thanks!
David

[David Pyle]

Wrong subject discussion but here goes...

Matt Kurke in Naples FL is the Comanche Gear guru who can tell you more than you want to know about bungee replacement. His phone is 239 539 6944.

[Pat Donovan]

DAVID,

The instructions that come with the Bogart tool will be all the explanation you need. I absolutely do not recommend cutting them as the strength in the bungee cord is considerable; depending on where the remnants end up, yu might not be able to get the pieces back or they could HURT.

You can also check the TIPs for further information.

Welcome to "Comanche Land!"

Pat

[N3322G]

bungees are pretty cheap, I have mine done every year to keep gear as happy as possible.

[Ray B]

The Bogart tool makes the job quick and easy with one small modification of the tool. I had to grind a good bit of the flange off the bar in order to extract it from the bungees once in place. This may no longer be necessary as I called Bogart about the problem over three years ago and he may have modified it since. If it's still needed a bench grinder makes fast work of it and it will be obvious where the flange needs lowering.--------I too change bungees every year, it's sooo easy with the Bogart tool, it's well worth the price. Ray B

[md11flyer]

Ditto all the replies, don't cut them. Its way to easy to get them off with the bogart tool.

Gary

[Matt Bogard]

I did it last May for the first time and I used the Bogert tool. Very easy.

Plane on jacks, disengage landing gear motor so gear swings freely.
Unscrew the access panel.
Move main leg to maximal bungee stretch and fit the single solid Bogie bar into the bungee. As you bring the gear up or down you can slip the bungee off the main landing gear bushing.
You can then turn the entire bungee/bar assembly counterclockwise to unscrew the outboard bushing/mount.
It will all come out of the plane then as one assembly and you can release the old bungee/mount the new bungee with the other part of the Bogie bar mounted in a good vice.
Reinstallation is just the opposite - screw in teh outboard part first and then move the MLG leg to fit the bungee over its bushing.
Install the access panel with new screws and nylon washers.
Swing test the gear multiple times, reconnect the motor, drop off jacks.