General Practices Manual Maintenance Procedures Aircraft Wheel Bearings

GENERAL PRACTICES MANUAL
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
AIRCRAFT WHEEL BEARINGS
This manual complies with British Civil Airworthiness Requirements,

Section A, Chapter A6-2
{#. C.A.A.Approval No.DAI/3133/50
The above certification does not apply to revisions made after the date
of initial certification by other approved Organisations. Revisions or
Amendments made by other approved Organisations must each be
separately certified and recorded on separate record sheets.
All Rights Reserved

This publication or any part thereof may not be reproduced or transmitted
in any form or by any means, including photocopying, electronic transfer
and/or recording, without the written permission of the Copyright holder,
application for which should be addressed to Technical Publications dept,
Dunlop Limited, Aviation Division, Foleshill, Coventry, CV6 4AA England.
The following are trade marks of Dunlop Limited:-

Dunlop ~ Symbol Dunlostrut Dunloride
AC ACA ACM ACO AH AHA AHO AE AEA AEM AEO
'© DUN,LOPUMITED AVIATION-DIVISION 1991
20-00-02
'_--" t: land
ReglStr:rr:u In cng
OfficePRINTED IN ENGLAND .•••
No. 995293, Registered : Si/vertown House. Vincent Square. London SWIP 2PL, A Subsidiary of BT1I,Jc. .-
~DUN£OP £llWITED
GENERAL PRACTICESMANUAL
RECORDOF REVISIONS
(Incorporated under C.A.A.Approval No. DAI/3133/S0)
Retain this record at the front of the Manual. On receipt of Revision, revise as detailed
in the Letter of Transmittal and record the incorporation of the revision on this sheet.
The introduction of data by revisions or amendments not certified in accordance with
British Civil Airworthiness Requirements, Chapter A6-2, will invalidate the initial
certification on the title page of the manual relative to the part revised. Revisions or
amendments embodied in this manual and certified by an appropriately approved
Organisation other than that applicable to the initial certification must be recorded
on the separate record sheets.
Rev. Issue Date Rev. Issue Date

No. Date Inserted By No. Date Inserted By
Record of Permanent Revisions

Page 1/2 Blank
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./~'
LISTOF EFFECTIVEPAGES
SUBJECT PAGE DATE
Title Page Jan.31/91
Record of Revisions 1 "

2 Blank
List of Effective Pages 1 Jan.31/91

2 Blank
Table of Contents 1 Jan.31/91

2 "
Introduction 1 Jan.31/91
2 Blank
Description and Object 1 Jan.31/91

2 "
/-----',
Disassembly 301 "

302 Blank
Cleaning 401 Jan.31/91

402 "
Check 501 Jan.31/91

502 "
503 "
504 "
505 "
506 "
Assembly 701 Jan.31/91

702 "
703 "
704 Blank
List of Effective Pages

Page 1/2 Blank
20- 00 02
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~DUN~OP ~11WIT.EJD
AIRCRAFT WH EELBEARINGS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Object
Bearing Compound Nomenclature
General 301
Bearing Grease Check 301
Cleaning Materials .. 401

Cleaning Procedures .. 401
Inspection Periodicity 501

Equipment 501
Inspection Procedures 501
Factors which Accelerate or cause Bearing Damage 506
701
702
CONTENTS
Page 1
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Bearing Component Nomenclature 1
Damaged Bearing Cage 501
Overheated Rollers.. " .. ., 502
Original grind marks, Roller end scoring 503
line Etching .. 504
Spalling of Rollers .. .. ., 505
Misaligned Bearing.. .. ., 506
Bearing Cup with Nicks and Dents ., .. 507
Bearing Cup with Spalling.. ., .. .. 508
Typical Mechanical Pressure Grease Packer ., 701
Hand lubrication 702
CONTENTS
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This General Practices Manual contains information and guidelines for the
maintenance of Aircraft Wheel Bearings as recommended by Dunlop Aviation
Division. This manual will be updated as and when new information becomes
available.
This manual is to be used in conjunction with the bearing maintenance

procedures detailed in the appropriate Wheel Component Maintenance
Manual.
If further information is required reference should be made to Dunlop Aviation

Division, Holbrook Lane, Coventry, CV6 4AA.
Introd uction
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DESCRIPTIONAND OBJECT
1. Description
In the 'Check' section of the Component Maintenance Manual for an aircraft

wheel is a paragraph detailing a general inspection for the wheel bearings. This
manual expands on this general inspection to give more guidance to operators
with regard to the examination and maintenance of aircraft wheel bearings.
2. Object
It is the object of this manual to detail techniques and procedures that will
enable an operator to:-
A. Detect signs of wear in bearings that could lead to early failure.
B. Recommend lubrication, materials and techniques that will ensure

maximum service life of an aircraft wheel bearing.
3. Bearing Component Nomenclature
Figure 1 illustrates and annotates the component parts of the aircraft wheel
bearing referred to in the manual.
Page 1
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ClP """"~CuP FRONT ""
.. .....
,- ,' ... ,.
..• ~
~
BEARING (ONE ANP ROLLER

ASSEMBLY
Bearing Component Nomenclature
Figure 1
Page 2
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AIRCRAFTWHEEL BEARINGS
Handle wheel bearings with extreme care during disassembly. Bearing

failures have been attributed to dropping or mishandling of bearing cone
assemblies during disassembly from the associated wheeL
It is recommended that thin rubber gloves be worn at all times when

handling bearing components to prevent contamination of the be.aring by
body fluids such as blood from scratches or general perspiration.
Refer to the Component Maintenance Man ual for the wheel assembly for
details of special tools and procedures to remove bearing cups and cone
assemblies.
Identify bearing cone assemblies to ensure re-assembly with the original

cup at all times.
2. Bearing Grease Check
On disassembly examine the residual grease on the bearing cone assemblies

and cups for the following, any of which may cause damage to the bearing
assemblies.
(1) Excessive moisture content in the grease. (This may indicate a

defective grease seal).
Moisture may be indicated by thinning or emulsifying of

the grease or droplets of water in wheel region of the
bearing assemblies.
(2) The presence of dirt or metal particles in the grease.
(3) Insufficient grease in the bearing cone.
(4) Lack of the usual grease viscosity and/or colour.
B. If any of the items in 2.A are detected the complete bearing assembly must
be subjected to full examination procedures after cleaning.
Page 301/302 Blank

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CLEANING
A. Methyl-Ethyl-Ketone (MEK) Med-Lab Limited

BS.1940: 1968 Copeland Street
Derby
DE12PU
B. Trichloroethane Med-Lab Limited

BS.4487 Copeland Street
MIL-T-81533A Derby
DE12PU
Imperial Chemical Industries

New York Ltd
American Incorporated
444, Madison Avenue
New York 22
USA
TRICHLOROETHANE AND MEK ARE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS.

BEFORE YOU USE THEM, MAKE SURE THAT YOU KNOW THE
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND FIRST AID INSTRUCTJONS ON:
THE LABEL ON THE CONTAINER THEY WERE SUPPLIED IN
THEIR MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS
YOUR LOCAL SAFETY REGULATIONS
CLEANING SOLVENTS ARE TOXIC AND VOLATILE. DO NOT

INHALE VAPOURS, WEAR PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND GLOVES,
USE ONLY IN WELL VENTILATED AREAS.
1. DO NOT USE STEAM OR WATER AS BEARINGS WILL

CORRODE IN A VERY SHORT TIME WHEN CLEANED WITH
THESE MEDIUMS AND NOT DRIED COMPLETELY
IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARDS.
2. BEARING ASSEMBLIES MUST BE INSPECTED AND RE-

LUBRICATED WITHIN ONE HOUR OF CLEANING TO
PREVENT CORROSION.
A. Place bearing cone assemblies in baskets in a single layer with the large end
uppermost to make sure that any foreign material will flow out of the .
assembly during cleaning.
Page 401
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AIRCRAFT WH EELBEARINGS
B. Clean bearing cone assemblies by immersing and agitating in a bath of

clean solvent. Use a soft bristle brush as necessary to remove all traces of
grease dirt etc.
I
The bath used for cleaning bearing assemblies should not be

used for any other purpose.
C. Rinse the bearing cone assemblies in clean solvent.
DO NOT SPIN BEARING ASSEMBLIESWITH COMPRESSEDAIR AS

ROLLERSMAY ESCAPEAND CAUSE INJURY.
DO NOT SPIN BEARING ASSEMBLIESWITH COMPRESSEDAIR.

HIGH SPEEDRUNNING WITHOUT LUBRICANT WILL SCOREAND
DAMAGE COMPONENTS.
Use filtered and dried compressed air to dry the bearing cone assemblies.
The air should pass through the assembly from one end of the rollers to the
other.
Make sure all foreign materials and solvents are removed from
within the assemblies.
E. Clean bearing cups installed in wheel assemblies with a soft lint-free cloth
dampened with cleaning solvent.
Page 402
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CHECK
1. Inspection Periodicity
It is recommended that wheel bearing assemblies are inspected at the following

times.
A. Each tyre change.
B. After any abnormally high energy braking event.
NOTE: Refer to the Aircraft Maintenance Manual for the definition of a
high energy braking event.
C. When bearing seals are found to be defective.
2. Equipment
A. Clean, quiet work area with good lighting.

B. Stylus with a 0,762 mm (0.030 in.) radius ball.
C. Cotton gloves for handling clean bearings.
D. Magnifying glass with X 5 magnification.
3. Inspection Procedures
NOTE: If anyone component of the wheel bearing assembly is found

defective the complete bearing assembly, both cup and cone assembly
must be replaced.
A. Examine the cone assembly as follows:-
(1) Refer to Figure 501 examine the cage for dents or gouges, worn roller
pockets, looseness and fractures or breaks. Reject a bearing assembly
if any defects are found.
Damaged Bearing Cage

Figure 501
Page 501
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(2) Refer to Figure 502 examine the rollers for signs of overheating. The
contact surface of the rollers will appear discoloured. Reject the
bearing if heat discolouration is present.
Do not confuse overheating with lubricant staining.

Lubricant staining can be reduced by rubbing with a
solvent; heat discolouration cannot. Lubricant staining is
not cause for rejection.
Overheated Rollers
Figure 502
Page 502
20-00-02 Jan.31/91
~DUNLOP LI1t6I'TBD
(3) Refer to Figure 503, carefully rotate the rollers and use a magnifying
glass to examine the large roller end for signs of rib to roller scoring.
Do not confuse roller scoring with original grind marks. Roller end
scoring indicates that scoring of the rib face has occurred. Reject a
bearing assembly with any roller end scoring.
Original grind Roller end

Marks Scoring
Figure 503
Refer to Figure 504, carefully rotate the rollers and use a magnifying
glass to examine the rollers for line etching. Line etching quickly
develops into spalling and flaking of the roller surface. Reject a
bearing assembly with line etching.
Line Etching
Figure 504
Page 503
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(5) Refer to Figure 505, carefully rotate the rollers and examine for
spalling of the surface. Reject a bearing assembly with signs of
spalling.
Spalling of Rollers
Figure 505
(6) Examine the rollers for nicks, dents, grooving, pitting and bruising.
Use a 0,762 mm (0.030 in.) radius styfus to detect defects. Alternately
use a fingernail to detect grooving or scratches. Reject a bearing with
a defect that can be felt by the stylus or fingernail.
(7) Examine the bore of the cone assembly for signs of galling. This
indicates movement of the cone assembly on the axle. Investigate the
cause of any indications of galling.
B. Examine the cup assembly as follows:-
(1) Refer to the Component Maintenance Manual for the wheel

assembly. Check the cup assembly for security in the housing and
check that any gap between the abutment faces is within the limits
stated.
(2) Refer to Figure 506. Examine the bearing cup for signs of a
misaligned bearing. This will be evident by a non uniform contact
area on the cup raceway. Damage of the nature shown is not in itself
cause for rejection, however the cause of the misalignment must be
investigated. Continued service of a misaligned bearing will initiate
defects in the cone assembly and cause spalling on the cup assembly.
Page 504
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Misaligned Bearing
Figure 506
(3) Refer to Figure 507 examine the bearing cup for nicks, dents,
grooving, pitting and bruising. Use a 0,762 mm (0.030 in.) radius
stylus to detect surface defects. Alternately use a fingernail to detect
grooving or scratches. Reject a bearing assembly with a defect that
can be felt by the stylus or fingernail.
Bearing Cup with Nicks and Dents

Figure 507
Page 505
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(4) Refer to Figure 508 examine the bearing cup for spalling of the
surface. Reject a bearing assembly with signs of spalling.
Bearing Cup with Spalling

Figure 508
(5) Examine the bearing cup for water staining. Water staining is not
detrimental and may be removed by polishing with a solvent.
4. Factors which Accelerate or Cause Bearing Damage
A. Axle Nut Maladjusted

Incorrect axle nut adjustment will result in the following damage.
(1) High preload on Bearings.
(a) Overheating - indicated by discolouration on the roller large

end.
(b) Spalling of the bearing cup and rollers.
(2) Excessive End Play between Bearings.
(a) Premature wear leading to fine metal particles from cage pocket
wear in turn causing abrasive wear.
(b) Premature spalling of the bearing cup caused by the bearing
cone assembly rollers hammering against the bearing cup.
B. Incorrect or Insufficient lubrication

Incorrect lubrication with the wrong grade of lubricant or insufficient
lubricant will lead to overheating and premature wear of the bearing
surfaces.
C. Worn Bearing Seal/Grease Retainers

Worn bearing seal/grease retainers will allow the ingress of abrasive
particles and moisture, both of which will cause bearing defects.
Page 506
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~DUNLOP L.llWITED
ASSEMBLY
A. The standard lubrication for aircraft wheel bearings is:-

Grease
DEF STAN 9.1-52/1
MIL-G-81322
DTD 5601
Mobil Oil Corporation

North American Division
150 East 42nd Street
New York 10017
UNITED STATESOF AMERICA
Mobil Oil Corporation Limited

Beaufort House
92/98 Newhall Street
Birmingham
NYCO International Inc.

2020 North Loop West (210)
Houston
TX 77018
Shell Oil Company

One Shell Plaza
PO Box 2463
Houston
TX 77001
Shell International
Petroleum Co. Ltd.
Shell Centre
London
SE17NA
Royal Lubricants Company Inc.

101 Eisenhower Parkway
Roseland
NJ07068
Page 701
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B. Lubricants other than to MIL-G-81322 ie., Aeroshell 5, Mobilith SHC220,

Kluber Isoflex Topas NB52 and Exxon-Ronex MP may be considered for use
on an individual basis dependant on operating conditions. Reference
should be made to Dunlop Aviation Division, Holbrook Lane, Coventry
before a lubricant not certified to MIL-G-81322 is used.
A. Lubrication of aircraft wheel bearings by the use of a mechanical pressure

grease packer similar to that illustrated in Figure 701 is highly
recommended as it is easier, faster, reduces possible contamination, and
when used correctly, makes sure an even amount of grease is applied to
critical areas.
B. Refer to Figure 702. Hand lubrication should only be carried out when a
mechanical pressure grease packer is not available. Always wear thin
rubber gloves and make sure that roller paths are amply covered and
grease is forced between the cone and the rollers.
C. Pack grease into the wheel hub around the cup area to make sure sufficient
grease is in the bearing area.
[lJMMY cUP
CONE ASSEMBLY
Typical Mechanical Pressure Grease Packer
Figure 701
Page 702
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Hand lubrication
Figure 702
D. Refer to the appropriate wheel manual for the procedures and special tools
required to assemble the wheel bearing into the wheel.
Page 703n04 Blank

20-00-02 Jan.31/91

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GENERAL PRACTICES MANUAL

This manual complies with British Civil Airworthiness Requirements,

{#. C.A.A.Approval No.DAI/3133/50

All Rights Reserved

The following are trade marks of Dunlop Limited:-

'© DUN,LOPUMITED AVIATION-DIVISION 1991

(Incorporated under C.A.A.Approval No. DAI/3133/S0)

Rev. Issue Date Rev. Issue Date

Record of Permanent Revisions

SUBJECT PAGE DATE

Title Page Jan.31/91

Record of Revisions 1 "

List of Effective Pages 1 Jan.31/91

Table of Contents 1 Jan.31/91

Description and Object 1 Jan.31/91

Disassembly 301 "

Cleaning 401 Jan.31/91

Check 501 Jan.31/91

Assembly 701 Jan.31/91

List of Effective Pages

Bearing Compound Nomenclature

Cleaning Materials .. 401

Inspection Periodicity 501

This manual is to be used in conjunction with the bearing maintenance

If further information is required reference should be made to Dunlop Aviation

In the 'Check' section of the Component Maintenance Manual for an aircraft

A. Detect signs of wear in bearings that could lead to early failure.

B. Recommend lubrication, materials and techniques that will ensure

3. Bearing Component Nomenclature

ClP """"~CuP FRONT ""

BEARING (ONE ANP ROLLER

Bearing Component Nomenclature

Handle wheel bearings with extreme care during disassembly. Bearing

It is recommended that thin rubber gloves be worn at all times when

Identify bearing cone assemblies to ensure re-assembly with the original

2. Bearing Grease Check

On disassembly examine the residual grease on the bearing cone assemblies

(1) Excessive moisture content in the grease. (This may indicate a

Moisture may be indicated by thinning or emulsifying of

(2) The presence of dirt or metal particles in the grease.

(3) Insufficient grease in the bearing cone.

(4) Lack of the usual grease viscosity and/or colour.

Page 301/302 Blank

A. Methyl-Ethyl-Ketone (MEK) Med-Lab Limited

B. Trichloroethane Med-Lab Limited

Imperial Chemical Industries

TRICHLOROETHANE AND MEK ARE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS.

THE LABEL ON THE CONTAINER THEY WERE SUPPLIED IN

THEIR MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS

YOUR LOCAL SAFETY REGULATIONS

CLEANING SOLVENTS ARE TOXIC AND VOLATILE. DO NOT

1. DO NOT USE STEAM OR WATER AS BEARINGS WILL

2. BEARING ASSEMBLIES MUST BE INSPECTED AND RE-

B. Clean bearing cone assemblies by immersing and agitating in a bath of

The bath used for cleaning bearing assemblies should not be

C. Rinse the bearing cone assemblies in clean solvent.

DO NOT SPIN BEARING ASSEMBLIESWITH COMPRESSEDAIR AS

DO NOT SPIN BEARING ASSEMBLIESWITH COMPRESSEDAIR.

It is recommended that wheel bearing assemblies are inspected at the following