Nonserviceable Tubes

Figure 11-29.—Inner tube vent ridges. to locate small leaks. If the tube is too large to be submerged, spread soapy water over the entire surface and examine carefully for air bubbles. The valve stem and valve base should be swished around to break any temporary seals. The tube should be checked for bent or broken valve stems and stems with damaged threads. Serviceable Tubes Inner tubes should be classified as serviceable if they are found to be free of leaks and other defects when they are inflated with the minimum amount of nitrogen required to round out the tube and water checked. Nonserviceable Tubes Nonserviceable tubes may be repairable or nonrepairable. Nonserviceable tubes with the following defects should be classified as repairable: • Bent, chafed, or damaged metal valve threads • Replaceable leaking valve cores Nonserviceable tubes with the following defects should be classified as nonrepairable: • Any tear, cut, or puncture that completely penetrates the tube • • • • • • • Fabric-reinforced tubes with blisters greater than one-half inch in diameter in the reinforced area Chafed or pinched areas caused by beads or tire breaks Valve stems pulled out of fabric-base tubes Deterioration or thinning due to brake heat Folds or creases Severe surface cracking No balance marker RECOMMENDED READING LIST NOTE: Although the following references current when this TRAMAN was published, were their continued currency cannot be assured. Therefore, you need to be sure that you are studying the latest revision. Aircraft Wheels, NAVAIR 04-10-1, Commander, Naval Air Systems Command, Washington, D.C., 1 January 1989, Rapid Action Change 18, 16 Jun 1992. Sections I, II, and III. Aircraft Tires and Tubes, NAVAIR 04-10-506, Commander, Naval Air Systems Command, Washington, D. C., 1 December 1989, Change 2, 1 February 1992. 11-29