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Part # MCSTRT-C13
FAA-PMA Approved Nose Tube for Many Cessna Aircraft
Cost-effective replacement solution for your lower nose strut
In legacy Cessna aircraft, many nose struts have been in service for over 40 years. Over time, the inner barrel is subject to wear, corrosion, and pitting, which can degrade and roughen its surface, compromising the sealing integrity of the nose strut. A worn or corroded inner barrel negatively affects the performance of the nose strut by prematurely wearing out the seal sets that then lead to hydraulic fluid and gas leaks. These leaks reduce the effectiveness of the shock absorption system and result in:
Replacing the inner barrel can restore the strut’s performance, improve seal longevity, and reduce the frequency of required maintenance. So, why choose the McFarlane replacement? Our inner barrel is designed to meet or exceed original specifications. MCSTRT-C00 ships uncut, giving you the flexibility to match it to your exact strut. Pre-cut lengths are also available for easy ordering:
| Part Number | Length (inches) | Matches Service Kit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
14.75" |
SK175-9D |
Eligible 172/175 Series |
|
16.25" |
SK182-34C |
Eligible 172/175/182 Series |
|
16.50" |
SK150-11C |
Eligible 150/152 Series |
|
18.00" (uncut) |
N/A |
Cutting to Length |
Not sure what length or services you need? Read our reference and ordering guide to review all length options, measuring instructions, and optional services. Your existing inner barrel should measure within +/- 0.125" of your selected inner barrel part number. Read the reference guide for more information.
Note: The inner barrel is chrome plated, heat treated 4130 steel. This material cannot be cut with hand tools and requires machine cutting. Custom cut inner barrels are non-refundable.
Looking for additional strut improvements? We also have main landing gear, nose strut seals, torque links, shimmy dampeners, steering bungees, and many more complementary products. Visit our landing gear section to view all nose strut solutions.
WARNING: Cancer and/or Reproductive Harm - California Proposition 65 Resources
Why did my Cessna nose strut seal fail?
Strut seal leaks and flat struts can be caused by roll or twist of the main O-ring seal. It is very frustrating to carefully check all the parts and surfaces and put a new seal kit in the strut only to find it flat again after a relatively short time. We have seen this happen when a film of MIL-5606 hydraulic fluid dries out on the exposed chrome strut shaft. MIL-5606 by nature has a tendency to get sticky as it is exposed to air and dirt and then dry.
Very slight dried oil films are sometimes hard to detect and they can get past the plastic wiper seal. When this happens the sticky strut has a tendency to grab the O-ring and roll or twist it when the strut slides in or out causing the seal to distort. A very small O-ring twist or distortion will cause a leak. This phenomena is aggravated by the low pressure that the Cessna strut is designed for. Wipe the chrome strut down with Stoddard solvent (mineral spirits) periodically to soften and remove any dried oil film, dirt, dust and bugs.
How do I measure the length of my existing inner barrel?
Proper measurements are critical when ordering a replacement inner barrel. Please use our helpful guide when determining the length of your existing components.