Main Wheel Assemblies

Main wheels are designed to support the larger portion of the load requirements for the aircraft along with the nose wheels. The main wheels transmit stopping forces from the brake to the ground. Wheels are made from either aluminum castings, magnesium castings, or aluminum forgings. The wheel is of the divided type, incorporating inner wheel half and outer wheel half, plus a disc, which are fastened together with tie bolts, washers, and nuts. The wheel rotates on two tapered roller bearings which seat in bearing cups, shrink fitted into the hubs. Molded grease seals provide protection and lubricant retention for the bearings. Hubcaps, when used, are secured to the outboard wheel half by a snap ring and screws.