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How to Install & Stake Aircraft Bearings

All moving parts on an aircraft have bearings. A bearing is a device that allows moving parts to work together with little friction. Because aircraft bearings handle frequent repetitive motion, you must replace them periodically. You also must know how to test your installation to make sure it meets the requirements set forth in your manual. Learn how to stake (secure) bearings and test them for the proper torque, and you can safely install bearings on your aircraft.

Things You'll Need

Torque wrench
Replacement bearings

Instructions

- 1
  Locate the bearing housing. All bearings are housed in a unique container that holds the moving parts within. When you replace a bearing, you replace the entire housing. Find the housing by following the diagram in your manual. Look for the bolts that secure the housing to the aircraft.
- 2
  Loosen the bolts that hold the bearing housing in place. Carefully remove those bolts, and set them aside to use when you install the new bearing. If any of the bolts look like they have been stripped of threads or show cracks, replace them with new bolts. Discard the old bearing.
- 3
  Insert the new bearing housing into the space where you removed the old one. Make sure it seats tightly. Tighten the bolts to hold it in place. Use a torque wrench to do this, and tighten the bolts to the torque requirements in your manual. For example, if your manual calls for 15 pounds of torque, tighten the bolts until your torque wrench gives you that reading.
- 4
  Test the moving parts in a low-risk situation. If possible, move the parts by hand to make sure the bearing allows for the proper movement. For example, if you have installed bearings in the wing flaps, move these up and down to make sure they have the full range of motion they should have. If you cannot manually move the parts, idle the aircraft and examine the motion of the parts before you fly.

Aviation