This tool, designed by Little Flyers, removes and installs shock discs (biscuits)
on most Mooney aircraft. The tool is hydraulically powered so that a difficult
job gets done fast. This page contains basic instructions from removing and
installing the Lord shock discs on the nose gear. The nose gear is the most
difficult gear of Mooney aircraft to install new shock discs on. Replace the shock discs at least every 15 years to help
prevent fuel tank leaks and wear on the nose gear.
In some climates the shock discs need to be changed more often.
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Remove the gear shock absorber
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Remove the forward leg bolts
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Remove the grease fitting
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Rotate the leg back and tie it up
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View: the leg tied up for access to link bolt
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Loosen the link bolt
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Be sure to push the bolt over as the nut is loosened
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Remove the tie holding the gear up and remove the link bolt and nut.
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The tool should be assembled like this for the nose gear
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Hook the spring clamp around the center brace as shown
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Position the front gear bolts as shown
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Placing the pad on the link helps to protect the paint from the cup
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Close the valve on the pump and apply pressure using the pump handle. The
pump is a two stroke type, so be sure to lift the pump all the way up each time
for best results.
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There should be a small gap between the collar and the plate before trying to remove
the collar bolt
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Once the collar bolt is removed, presure can be relieved on the hydraulic cylinder;
the cylinder has a spring return and retracts by itself.
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The link and shock discs have been removed. At this time check that the collar
is not cracked and the link is not damaged. New shock disc are now installed
on the link; the link is placed back into the cup for installation.
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While the pressing the link back in place the collar hole needs to line up parallel
to the fork in order to install the collar bolt later. Additionally be sure
that the collar is in the place befor the link is pressed all the way up.
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Use some sort of bullet or aligning devise to line up the collar with the hole.
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Install the collar bolt and nut |
Relieve the pressure on the cylinder and reinstall the leg.
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The directions for the main gear are similar. When setting up the tool, the
top hole on the clamp brace is used and the clamp faces perpendicular to the tool.
The main gear shock discs require less force to install than the nose gear.
You can rent the Little Flyers Mooney shock disc tool here.