SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1156
Piper PA-44 Seminole · Service Bulletins
Overview
This Service Bulletin No. 1156, dated April 7, 2005, addresses the periodic replacement of the nose gear drag link bolt for the Piper PA-44 Seminole and other affected models. It highlights the potential wear on the bolt that connects the upper and lower nose gear drag links, which may not be detectable during routine inspections. The bulletin outlines the compliance requirements, which include replacing the bolt and inspecting associated components during the next scheduled maintenance event or within a maximum of fifty flight hours for aircraft with 500 or more flight hours. The document is crucial for maintaining the safety and integrity of the nose gear system, preventing potential failures that could lead to gear collapse.
- Nose gear drag link bolt must be replaced every 500 hours or during the next maintenance event for aircraft with 500+ hours.
- Inspect bushings for wear; replace if ID is outside .2515 to .2495 inches.
- Logbook entry required after compliance with the Service Bulletin.
- Use NAS464P4-27 bolt for replacement; discard old bolt and cotter pin.
- Parts are available through Piper Service Facilities.
Document
Source
Originally published by dolmint.com. Sprinkle hosts a reference copy with an added summary, specifications and searchable full text.
Document details
- Type
- Service Bulletins
- Year
- 2005
- Pages
- 3
- File size
- 113 KB
- Publisher
- dolmint.com
Most owners only have the POH. Here's the essential set for the Piper PA-44 Seminole.
- Pilot's Operating Handbook / AFM
- Checklist
- Maintenance Manual
- Parts Catalog (IPC)
- Systems & Wiring
- Service Bulletins
- Type Certificate (TCDS)
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- PIPER PA-44 SEMINOLEChecklist
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- Garmin G1000 NXi Pilot’s Guide for the Piper PA-44-180 SeminoleV Speeds Reference
In this document
Purpose
The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to address the wear that can develop on the nose gear drag link bolt, which may not be visible during regular maintenance. The bulletin specifies that if left unaddressed, this wear could lead to bolt failure and subsequent nose gear collapse. It provides a replacement schedule and inspection guidelines to ensure safety.
Compliance Time
Compliance with this Service Bulletin is required during the next scheduled maintenance event, but not to exceed fifty flight hours for aircraft that have accumulated 500 hours or more. Aircraft with less than 500 hours are not affected until they reach that threshold.
Instructions
The bulletin provides detailed instructions for replacing the nose gear drag link bolt. Steps include jacking the aircraft, disassembling the drag link, inspecting bushings, replacing the bolt, and verifying proper operation of the nose gear. A logbook entry must be made to indicate compliance.
Material Required
The bulletin lists the materials required for compliance, including one NAS464P4-27 bolt, two AN960-416 or NAS1149F0463P washers, one AN320-4 nut, one MS24665-134 cotter pin, and two on-condition bearings.
Availability of Parts
Parts required for compliance with this Service Bulletin can be obtained through a Piper Service Facility. It is recommended to contact the facility for arrangements.
Safety notes
- Failure to replace the nose gear drag link bolt could lead to nose gear collapse.
- Regular inspections are critical to detect wear on the bolt.
Full document text
1156 Date: April 7, 2005 (S)(M) SUBJECT: PERIODIC REPLACEMENT OF NOSE GEAR DRAG LINK BOLT MODELS AFFECTED: SERIAL NUMBERS AFFECTED: PA-28R-180 Arrow 28R-30002 through 28R-31270; 28R-7130001 through 28R-7130013 PA-28R-200 Arrow 28R-35001 through 28R-35820; 28R-7135001 through 28R-7135229 PA-28R-200 Arrow II 28R-7235001 through 28R-7635545 PA-28R-201 Arrow III 28R-7737002 through 28R-7837317; 2837001 through 2837061; 2844001 and Up PA-28R-201T Turbo Arrow III 28R-7703001 through 28R-7803374; 2803001 through 2803012 PA-28RT-201 Arrow IV 28R-7918001 through 28R-7918267; 28R-8018001 through 28R-8218026 PA-28RT-201T Turbo Arrow IV 28R-7931001 through 28R-8631005; 2831001 through 2831038 PA-44-180 Seminole 44-7995001 through 44-8195026; 4495001 through 4495013; 4496001 and Up PA-44-180T Seminole 44-8107001 through 44-8207020 COMPLIANCE TIME: To coincide with next regularly scheduled maintenance event, but not to exceed the next fifty (50) hours time in service for aircraft with 500 hours flight time or more. Aircraft under 500 hours are not affected by this service bulletin until they have accrued a minimum of 500 hours. APPROVAL: The technical content of this Service Bulletin has been shown to comply with the applicable Federal Aviation Regulations and is FAA approved. PURPOSE: It has been determined that, under certain conditions, the bolt that fastens the Upper and Lower Nose Gear (NG) Drag Links can develop wear in a manner that may not be detectable during routine maintenance and inspection. Specifically: on some aircraft, score marks have been discovered around the circumference of the bolt shank, midway along the length of the bolt. By design, the bolt is free to rotate inside a set of bushings to allow relative movement between the Upper and Lower Drag Links during Landing Gear extension and retraction. Over an extended number of operating hours, this rotation can generate the score marks described, causing stress concentrations to develop in the bolt. The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. 2926 Piper Drive Vero Beach, Florida, U.S.A. 32960 TM (OVER) ATA: 3220 SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1156 PAGE 2 OF 3 PURPOSE: (Continued) Left uncorrected, this condition could eventually result in bolt failure, with subsequent Nose Gear collapse. This Service Bulletin provides a schedule for the removal and replacement of this bolt (along with associated hardware), and the inspection of the mating bushings. The applicable Aircraft Service Manuals/Maintenance Manuals will be updated to include the contents of this Service Bulletin at their next revision requiring the NG drag link bolt and pin replacement at the 500 hour inspections. INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Jack the aircraft per the Aircraft Service Manuals/Maintenance Manuals. 2. Disassemble Upper Drag Link from Lower Drag Link, by removing the NAS464P4-27 bolt that functions as a hinge pin for the two parts. See Figure 1 or Figure 2 as applicable. Discard bolt and cotter pin, regardless of condition. Nut and washers may be reused, depending on condition. 3. Inspect bushings for excessive wear, and verify that bushing IDs are within Service Dimension range of .2515 to .2495 inches, replacing as necessary. 4. Reassemble Upper and Lower Drag Links per the Aircraft Service Manuals/Maintenance Manuals, by installing a new NAS464P4-27 bolt, taking care to reposition washers retained in Step 2. Reinstall castellated nut retained in Step 2. and secure with a new MS24665-134 cotter pin. 5. Lubricate per the Aircraft Service Manuals/Maintenance Manuals, as required. 6. Verify proper operation of the Nose Gear. 7. Remove airplane from jacks, and return to service. 8. Make a logbook entry indicating compliance with this Service Bulletin. NOTE: A repetitive inspection and bolt/pin replacement are required every 500 hours. Figure 1 Typical PA-28R Bolt Location SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1156 PAGE 3 OF 3 Figure 2 Typical PA-44 Bolt Location MATERIAL REQUIRED: Qty Piper Code # Nomenclature 1 (required) 402-940 BOLT (NAS464P4-27) 2 (on condition) 407-565 WASHER (AN960-416 or NAS1149F0463P) 1 (on condition) 404-393 NUT - (AN320-4) 1 (required) 424-052 COTTER PIN (MS24665-134) 2 (on condition) 452-800 BEARING (87319-002) AVAILABILITY OF PARTS: Your Piper Service Facility. EFFECTIVITY DATE: This Service Bulletin is effective upon receipt. SUMMARY: Applicable Factory Participation is limited to new aircraft in warranty at the time of compliance. Factory Participation will remain in effect for a period of time not to exceed 180 days from the date of this Service Bulletin. Please contact your Factory Authorized Piper Service Facility to make arrangements for compliance with this Service Bulletin in accordance with the compliance time indicated. NOTE: If you are no longer in possession of this aircraft, please forward this information to the present owner/operator and notify the factory of address/ownership corrections. Changes should include aircraft model, serial number, current owner's name and address. Corrections and/or changes should be directed to: THE NEW PIPER AIRCRAFT, INC. Attn: Customer Service 2926 Piper Drive Vero Beach, FL 32960