Skyfox Gazelle rubber donuts

[Frankus1aust]

Does anyone in the experience trust know where to buy the rubber donuts that are inside the front gear leg of a Skyfox Gazelle? Front strut leg is a bit clunky. I don't have a picture.

 

Thanks in advance

 

 

[mnewbery]

Last I saw I think I had a packet with Bert Flood imports on it. But that was nearly 10 years ago.

 

try this:

 

 

 

 

 

[Frankus1aust]

Last I saw I think I had a packet with Bert Flood imports on it. But that was nearly 10 years ago.

 

try this:

 

 

 

 

Thanks and I called but they didn't seem to know. I'm guessing it is a part that may be on other aircraft so any suggestions would be welcome

 

 

[Frankus1aust]

What I am looking for are the rubber donuts that go in the front nose gear strut that dampen the landing shock. Basically just rubber washers.

 

 

[onetrack]

Do you have a photo or dimensions of the rubber donuts? There are plenty of companies who can manufacture rubber donuts to your specifications, and if you have precise dimensions, you may be able to find something off the shelf.

 

You may even be able to adapt something unrelated, if the donut material doesn't have some highly specific material, and compressive rating. Natural rubber compressibility (hardness) is measured as a Shore value by the Shore Durometer.

 

The link below (a gasket company) gives a good technical precis of Shore rubber hardness.

 

https://www.ramgaskets.com/technical/shore_hardness

 

I'm thinking you may be able to utilise something readily available, such as vehicle exhaust system hanger donuts. These donuts are quite durable and possibly have a satisfactory Shore value for compressibility.

 

Ideally, you would get a Shore value test done on your Skyfox donuts, and either find a suitable size donut with the same Shore value, or contact a donut manufacturer and request a quote for supplying your donuts, giving them dimensions and Shore value required - or just supply a used one to them for a guide.

 

https://www.bt-ingenieros.com/soportes-para-tubos-de-escape/3241-pack-de-gomas-para-tubos-de-escape-tipo-aro-59-x-59-x-135-mm-2-piezas.html

 

http://www.jmorco.com/whatweoffer.html

 

 

[onetrack]

Natural rubber is the usual, economic, low-cost choice for shock-absorbing devices. However, natural rubber degrades relatively rapidly - and as you've found, needs regular replacement, as it degrades.

 

If you go to a manufacturer, you have a choice of a large range of alternative materials - varieties of nitrile rubbers, polyurethanes, silicone rubbers. 

 

All of these products are designed to provide long-lasting service in varying, often adverse environments (such as being regularly being soaked with petroleum products, or encountering high temperatures).

 

Sorbothane is the brand name of a synthetic viscoelastic urethane polymer, used as a shock absorber and vibration damper, which has some outstanding shock absorbing properties - all of which comes at a much higher cost than natural rubber, of course.

 

The "egg" test is a Sorbothane test stunt which is quite impressive - but you need to concentrate on the egg, not the spectacularly attractive young lady. 

 

https://www.sorbothane.com/material-properties.aspx

 

 

[BRL]

Just replaced the nose gear donut rubbers on the eurofox dont know wether they would suit the Gazelle they are approx 50mm deep

 

with a 16mm hole thru the centre got from horsham aviation

 

 

[Frankus1aust]

Thanks Guys for the info. I will remove the leg and have a look.