Two cases of failures in aircraft wheel roller bearings will be discussed. Both cases show that it is difficult to predict the performance of a lubricant in a given application. After years of faultless operation one type of aircraft wheel bearing began to fail prematurely. The failure started on the roller large end and the cone back face rib. No change in lubrication, operation or bearing was documented although a superficial change in the bearing geometry was suspected. Change of grease reduced the problem. Shortly after introduction of a grease recommended by wheel manufacturers corrosion was found in the bearing cups after cleaning. The cause although not completely understood seemed to be a combination of grease, cleaning procedure and operational load. Change to a non-specified grease has eliminated the problem.
Problems in aircraft landing gear wheel bearing lubrication
Probleme mit der Radlagerschmierung von Flugzeugfahrwerken
1990
7 Seiten, 5 Bilder
Aufsatz (Konferenz)
Englisch
Aircraft Landing Gear Drive Wheel Identification System
Europäisches Patentamt | 2016
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