Main Gear Cracks

[Eppy]

After a flight last weekend, a flying buddy pointed out that something was wrong with my main gear.
To my surprise there was 3 cracks going out from the screw holes almost all the way to the outer edges of the main gear  .
I'm lucky this was discovered, not sure what would happen next flight (..or for how long I've been flying with cracks in the main gear)

Anyone seen anything like this ?

[Chris Sexton]

That's a new one on me.

Considering where they originate. I wonder of the owb bolts weren't too tight and stressed the gear?

[steffgiguere]

Wow, never seen of heard of this before. My E6 and my E7 each have over 500 flight with that same main gear without one problem.

[flyalan]

Looking at the indentations made from the screws I would most definately say they were over tightened.  Loktite and snug them down is all that is necessary.

Cheers
Alan

[Eppy]

Thanks guys,

although I cannot recall going ape on those bolts (as there's no reason to) it's possible that they were overtightened. I'm installing the new main gear tonight and making sure not to over-tighten.

Have a good weekend, and many happy landings 

[Brandon Bartolomucci]

Yes too tight of screws will cause that. I don't think the E6/7 manual has a note but on page 26 of the E5 manual it mentions in a note box not to over tighten as it can crack the gears.


Regards,
Brandon Bartolomucci
Sent from my iPhone

[Kevin Feil]

Yes, I have seen this on another occasion, and yall are correct, it is due to over torquing! like mentioned before, looking at where the cracks originated and seeing the impression of the screw head in the Gear. if it would of cracked in the "Field" so to speak that's one thing (And I have NEVER seen that Happen on a Synergy Gear)  You guys are on point.. Like mentioned above, Lock Tight and a little snug...Good to Go.

Kevin

[RichH]

Given the gaps in the cracks, it looks like there are residual stresses in the gear that may have contributed.


Rich

[Chris Sexton]

Given the gaps in the cracks, it looks like there are residual stresses in the gear that may have contributed.


Rich

The gap in the crack could also have formed from flying with the cracks.

[flyalan]

That would be my assessment also Chris!

Alan

[Kevin Feil]

I also Agree. "Torque"

Kevin