SERVICE 1233B NO.

Piper Aircraft, Inc.

2926 Piper Drive
BULLETIN
Vero Beach, Florida, U.S.A. 32960
PIPER CONSIDERS
COMPLIANCE MANDATORY
Date: June 24, 2014 (M)

Service Bulletin (SB) 1233B supersedes SB 1233A. Aircraft that have previously complied with SB 1233A are in
compliance with SB 1233B, until the next replacement interval is reached.

Subject: PERIODIC REPLACEMENT OF MAIN LANDING GEAR

ROD ENDS

Reason for Revision: SB 1233B changes the nomenclature “life limit” used
in earlier versions of this service bulletin to the present
nomenclature “replacement interval.”

Piper inadvertently published earlier versions of this

service bulletin using the nomenclature “life limit” without
prior FAA approval.

Although the maintenance requirements described in

this service bulletin have not received FAA approval,
Piper still considers this service bulletin mandatory. The
requirement to replace the main landing gear rod ends at
3,000 hour intervals remains unchanged.

Models Affected: Serial Numbers Affected:

PA-31/PA-31-300/325 Navajo 31-2 thru 31-900; 31-7300901 thru 31-8312019
PA-31-350 Chieftain/T-1020 31-5001 thru 31-5004; 31-7305005 thru 31-8553002
PA-31P Navajo 31P-1 thru 31P-109; 31P-7300110 thru 31P-7730012
PA-31P-350 Mojave 31P-8414001 thru 31P-8414050
PA-31T Cheyenne/Cheyenne II 31T-7400002 thru 31T-8120104
PA-31T1 Cheyenne I/IA 31T-7804001 thru 31T-8104073; 31T-8104101;
31T-8304001 thru 31T-8304003;
31T-1104004 thru 31T-1104017
PA-31T2 Cheyenne IIXL 31T-8166001 thru 31T-8166076;
31T-1166001 thru 31T-1166008
PA-31T3 Cheyenne T-1040 31T-8275001 thru 31T-8475001; 31T-5575001
PA-42 Cheyenne III 42-7800001 thru 42-8001106
PA-42-720 Cheyenne IIIA 42-8301001; 42-8301002; 42-5501003 thru 42-5501060
PA-42-1000 Cheyenne 400LS 42-5527002 thru 42-5527044

ATA: 3210

(OVER)
SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1233B PAGE 2 of 5

Compliance Time: Every 3,000 hours time in service (TIS), replace the main landing gear actuator
rod ends.

For airplanes with one or more main landing gear actuator rod ends that have
accumulated more than 3,000 hours TIS, initial compliance to coincide with the next
regularly scheduled maintenance event, but not to exceed the next 50 hours TIS.

Approval: The engineering aspects of this service document have been shown to comply
with the applicable Federal Aviation Regulations and are FAA approved.

Purpose: This service bulletin establishes a 3,000 hour replacement interval on the main
landing gear actuator rod end bearings.

A review of Service Difficulty Reports indicates a need to establish a replacement

interval of 3,000 hours on the main landing gear actuator rod end bearings.

A schedule is provided for the removal and replacement of the main landing gear
actuator rod end bearings.
SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1233B PAGE 3 of 5

Instructions:

Part I. Hardware Configuration Identification

NOTE: Some of the affected airplanes may have optional kit part number (P/N) 764-127 “Main Gear Lock Rod
Attachment Fork Replacement” installed per Service Letter 921. Additionally, some of the affected
airplanes will have any one of two types of main gear hydraulic cylinders installed. Because of these
two factors, the parts catalog may not adequately describe the replacement parts that are required
for compliance with this service bulletin. Use the procedure described below to determine the correct
replacement parts.
1. Replacement Rod End Determination
The lock rod attachment fork features a threaded shaft that passes through the retraction arm and the rod end
common to the main gear hydraulic cylinder, as shown in Figure 1. The threaded shaft (and clearance holes in
the retraction arm and rod end) will be one of two nominal diameters:
• If the threaded shaft on the lock rod attachment fork measures 0.250 x 28 (nominal 1/4 inch diameter),
then the retraction arm and rod end will both have mating holes that are a nominal 1/4 inch in diameter.
Airplanes with this configuration require replacement rod end, P/N 762-554.
• If the threaded shaft on the lock rod attachment fork measures 0.312 x 24 (nominal 5/16 inch diameter),
then the retraction arm and rod end will both have mating holes that are a nominal 5/16 inch in diameter.
Airplanes with this configuration require replacement rod end, P/N 758-440.
2. Replacement Lock/Key Determination
The correct replacement lock/key part number is determined by the type of main gear hydraulic cylinder
installed in the airplanes. Examine the part markings to identify the part manufacturer:
• Ozone brand actuators require replacement lock, Piper P/N 752-365
• Wiebel brand actuators require replacement key, Piper P/N 761-115
Part II. Hardware Replacement
NOTE: Order replacement hardware as determined in Part I.
1. Remove power from the aircraft by pulling the main power circuit breaker.
2. Place airplane on jacks to allow access to the main gear retraction mechanism per instructions in the appropriate
service/maintenance manual.
3. Using the hand pump, retract the main gear slightly to relieve the gear from its down locked position.
4. Remove the rod end from both right and left main landing gear installations as follows (refer to Figure 1):
a. Disconnect the down lock rod or cable from the lock rod attachment fork by removing the attachment
hardware.
b. Disconnect the main gear hydraulic cylinder including the rod end from the main gear retraction arm.
To accomplish this, remove the hardware which secures the lock rod attachment fork to the main gear
retraction arm and remove lock rod attachment fork.
c. Identify the P/N 752-365 lock or P/N 761-115 key, which is nested in the slot in the rod end.
For configurations using a P/N 752-365 lock, cut and discard the securing safety wire. Remove the
P/N 752-365 lock or P/N 761-115 key, whichever is installed, and discard.
d. Loosen the rod end lock nut, and remove rod end. Discard the rod end.
5. Install two (2) new rod ends, one each right and left sides.
6. Reinstall the lock rod attachment fork and the down lock rod or cable, both right and left sides.
7. Adjust and functionally test main landing gear according to the procedures in the appropriate service/
maintenance manual. Install two (2) new P/N 752-365 lock or two (2) new P/N 761-115 key, whichever is
required. For configurations using a new P/N 752-365 lock, install with safety wire.
8. Make a logbook entry documenting compliance with this service bulletin.
SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1233B PAGE 4 of 5

DOWN LOCK ROD

MAIN GEAR
LOCK ROD ATTACHMENT FORK HYDRAULIC CYLINDER

ROD END

RETRACTION
ARM

DOWN LOCK ROD

FORWARD MAIN GEAR

SIDE BRACE

Figure 1
Main Landing Gear Components
SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1233B PAGE 5 of 5

MATERIAL REQUIRED:

Quantity Piper P/N Nomenclature

762-554
2 or Rod End
758-440
752-365 Lock
2 or
761-115 Key

Note: Piper P/N 762-685 and 482-024 are equivalent to Piper P/N 762-554. When P/N 762-554 is
specified, any of these three (3) part numbers may be used.

AVAILABILITY OF PARTS: Your Factory Authorized Piper Service Facility

Effectivity date: This service bulletin is effective upon receipt.

Summary: Please contact your Factory Authorized Piper Service Facility to make
arrangements for compliance with this service bulletin in accordance with the
compliance time indicated.

Note: Please notify the factory of any address/ownership corrections. Changes should include aircraft model,
serial number, and current owner’s name and address.

Corrections and/or changes should be directed to:

PIPER AIRCRAFT, INC.
Attn: Customer Service
2926 Piper Drive
Vero Beach, FL 32960