4.2.
RESOLVING STRUT BLADDER MIGRATION
If the bladder has moved or twisted inside the strut or LE, it can cause a rupture or bulge when
inflated. To prevent this, you must ensure the bladder has even and direct contact with the
material around it during inflation, and the material is not over or under-tensioned in any area.
WARNING:
If the strut or LE is showing any twisting or distortion during inflation, we recommend taking your
wing to a North Service Centre for professional assistance.
To resolve strut bladder migration:
1.
Deflate the wing.
2.
Locate the two Strut Bladder Installation Lines. The lower line is in a pocket on the XLT-Joint.
The upper line is located between the top of the strut and the canopy, at the LE intersection.
3.
Locate the lower line in the pocket. If the line is not visible, take the wing to your North
Retailer or North Service Centre.
4.
If the line is visible, check the line is securely attached to the loop on the inner pocket seam.
If the line has come loose, tie the installation line to the loop using a single knot. Ensure the
knot is stopping the installation line from retracting inside the strut.
5.
Repeat Steps 3 and 4 with the upper installation line.
6.
The strut bladder is held in place at the trailing edge end of the strut by a folded over velcro
tuck flap inside the strut tip. Open the velcro to pull out the tuck flap, unfold the flap and
check the bladder is visible inside.
7.
Close the flap and reinsert into the opening, then secure the velcro.
8.
Lay the wing flat on the ground, strut facing up. Inflate the bladder a small amount, and then
from the outside, carefully take hold of the bladder through the strut material and knead
gently to ensure it is evenly distributed within the strut. There should be no bulge or twist
anywhere in the bladder.
9.
Try inflating the wing again. Check the strut material has even contact with the bladder
inside and is not over or under-tensioned in any area.
10.
If the problem persists, take your wing to a North Service Centre, or follow the Strut Bladder
Repair / Replacement instructions to remove the bladder fully, check for damage, then re-install.
4.3.
BLADDER REPAIRS
Before attempting to repair a bladder:
Find a clean, dry location out of the wind to carry out the repair. Avoid repairing your wing on the
beach or in dirty, dusty areas.
You will need:
•
8m of strong string or nylon (a kite control line is ideal)
•
Bladder Repair Kit from your Wing Repair Kit (found inside the front pocket of your Wing Bag).
•
Hand Pump and Tapered Nozzle Attachment (as provided with the North Kite Pump)
•
Ensure bladders are deflated.
•
Keep track of all HyperFlow Inflation System parts for later use.
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