The day a simple 737NG brake change turned into a 12 hour shift

We had a routine brake swap on a United bird at O'Hare, but the axle threads were so galled we couldn't get the nut off. My lead, Dave, had to call maintenance control and we ended up using a torch and a 3-foot cheater bar, which felt like overkill. Anyone have a better method for seized brake hardware that doesn't involve risking a heat damage write-up?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_drew3d ago

Honestly sounds like a normal Tuesday to me. That level of force is pretty standard for a bad one. Doubt you'll find a magic trick that always works.

lily3603d ago

For galled threads, try a good penetrating oil and a few sharp hammer blows on the socket first.