Wheels

The Cleveland wheels and brakes on the Grummans are divided into 2 groups with 2 different part numbers.

The early planes from 69-74 have the smaller brake caliper piston and a different wheel part number.

The later planes from 75 on have the larger brake caliper piston and a different wheel part number.

A common problem on the 30+ year old wheels is CORROSION. The 70's production planes came with wheels that were painted silver on the outside, and had no paint or corrosion protection on the inside. Its not uncommon to take a wheel apart and find that under the excess grease slung into the inside is corrosion so severe as to render the part unusable.

This happens from a lack of proper maintenance in 2 ways.

1) Too much grease is left on the wheel bearings when they are installed, and the excess is extruded into the hollow center of the wheel.

2) The wrong grease is used, and the components of the grease that cause the lubricant to gel absorb moisture and when held against the bare metal inner surface of the wheel, cause corrosion to rapidly occur.

As a preventative measure, the wheels should be visually inspected at each annual for condition of the wheel and its data plate, the condition and proper torque of the hardware, and by looking through the axle hole with the bearing removed, the condition of the inside of the wheel. A strong light and some rags to wipe away any grease in the "corners" of the cast stiffeners will help identify areas of concern.