Tire & Tube Installation
When installing the tire and tube, be sure to:
- Sprinkle talc powder inside the tire to allow the tube to “move” to its seated position easily.
- Align the red dot on the tire (if marked) with the white dot on the tube (if marked) or the valve stem.
- Take care not to pinch the tube when assembling the wheel halves.
Lubricate Wheel Bearings
Grove Aircraft wheels ship with a light protective coating of Aeroshell-22 grease on the bearings.
Before use, remove and relubricate both tapered roller bearings on each wheel using Aeroshell-22 or
Mobil 28 grease. You may also use Mobil SHC 100, but since it isn’t compatible with other greases,
thoroughly clean bearings and races before application.
Click here for special lubrication requirements for Amphibious Wheels.
Torque Wheel Bolts & Nuts
Torque the wheel tie-bolts to the value specified on the wheel label (typically 90 in-lb for 500×5 wheels,
150 in-lb for 600×6 wheels). If you’re unsure of the proper torque value, contact Grove Aircraft for guidance.
Pre-Load Wheel Bearings
Proper axle-nut preload is critical. With the aircraft jacked up, rotate the wheel while tightening the axle nut
until hand-tight. The wheel should turn freely with minimal drag. If binding occurs, back off the nut slightly
so it just spins freely, then install a new safety cotter pin. Ensure the cotter pin does not interfere with the
valve stem or any other component.
Special Lubrication Instructions for Amphibious Wheels
Grove amphibious wheels are shipped with bearings packed in either
Green Grease No 2 (Omni Lubricants) or
Corrosion Block Grease (Lear Chemical). No re-packing is required before first use.
- Before installation, coat the inside of each wheel half with a light film of grease to inhibit corrosion.
- Each installation must include a method (e.g., axle grease fitting) to purge the grease cavity after
water operations to prevent corrosion damage. - At every annual or 100-hour inspection:
- Remove bearings and inspect for corrosion; replace if necessary.
- Re-pack bearings with Green Grease No 2 or Corrosion Block Grease.
- Inspect wheel halves for corrosion; clean and re-coat with a light grease film.
- Re-assemble the wheel using new grease seals.
- Follow the float manufacturer’s maintenance instructions after each water operation.