PIPER AIRCRAFT, INC.
PA-28-161, WARRIOR III
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
PAGE 4
Nov 30/06
3E4
32-20-00
D. Assembly (Refer to Figure 2.)
(1) Ascertain that all parts are cleaned and inspected.
(2) To install the piston tube plug, proceed as follows:
(a) Lubricate the tube plug (21) and O-ring (20) with hydraulic fluid (MIL-H-5606) and install
the O-ring on the plug.
(b) Lubricate the inside wall of the piston tube, and insert the plug into the top of the tube,
pushing it to the fork end.
(c) Align the bolt holes of the fork, tube and plug; install the bolt, washer and nut.
(3) Carefully install in the bearing sleeve the quad ring (15), back-up washer and the wiper strip
(16). Slide the O-ring (14) in place on the outside sleeve.
(4) Lubricate the bearing assembly and carefully install it on the piston tube (24).
(5) Position the snap ring (18) on the upper end of the piston tube.
(6) Insert the piston tube with bearing assembly in the cylinder tube (10). Secure it with the
retainer ring (17) in the annular slot at the bottom of the tube.
(7) Connect the torque links on the tube and fork securing them with a bolt, washer and nut.
Tighten the nuts only tight enough to retard side play, but still allowing the links to rotate freely.
(8) Ascertain that the upper and lower bearings (3 and 5) are installed in the strut housing.
Bearings are a press fit with the grooves in the inner and outer races in the up position.
(9) Position washer (2) and strut assembly retainer nut (1) on top of the strut housing. Insert the
strut assembly up through the washer until it contacts the nut. Tighten the nut to a snug fit.
(10) To install the steering horn assembly, insert the flat head pin through the side of the horn and
top of the strut assembly. When it protrudes through the other side of the steering horn, install
the washer and secure with a cotter pin.
(11) Install the steering horn attaching bolt through the top of the horn into the strut assembly. Do
not tighten bolt at this time. If a space appears between the steering horn plate and the top of
the strut assembly, it will then be necessary to install spacer washer(s), (AN960-416L),
between the horn and strut. Then tighten the bolt and safety the bolt to the strut assembly
retainer nut (1) with MS20995C40 wire.
(12) Compress and extend the strut several times to ascertain that the strut will operate freely. The
weight of the gear wheel and fork should allow the strut to extend.
(13) Service the oleo strut with fluid and air. (Refer to Oleo Struts, 12-10-00.)
(14) Check the gear for alignment. (Refer to Nose Landing Gear - Alignment, below.)
2. Nose Landing Gear
A. Removal (Refer to Figure 3.)
(1) Remove the engine cowling by the following procedure:
(a) Release the fasteners, two on each side and six screws at the aft end of the top cowl.
(b) Remove the screws on the sides of the nose cowl.
(c) Lift the top cowl with the upper nose cowl attached and remove the assembly from the
airplane.
(d) Disconnect the electrical lead to the landing light at the quick disconnect inside the bottom
cowl and remove the induction air hose from filter housing.
(e) Remove strut fairing if installed by removing attaching screws.
(f) Remove the bottom cowl attaching screws from around the aft end of the cowl and
remove the bottom cowl with the lower nose cowl attached.
(2) Remove the propeller. (Refer to Propeller - Removal, 61-10-00.)