RV-6A Nose Bolt Correct?

My 6A has been creaking a bit when I push it back and I'm sure it is the strut moving in it's socket. So I pulled it apart to give a look-see. The bolt doesn't seem to have any distress, but I wanted to poll the group as to whether it is the correct bolt and nut for this application (I'm not the builder). Have a look at these Flickr photos:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/davehightower/15977265091/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/davehightower/15359630723/

Thanks,
Dave

nosegear bolt

Hi Dave, I looked at your pictures, bolt and nut look fine. You want as tight a fit as possible for the bolt so that their is no movement of the leg in the gear socket. Sometimes you can sort through a pile of bolts and find slightly larger in diameter one which will tighten up the joint. There are other ways to achieve a tight join, search
past discussions in forums.
Daverv6a 661 865-3529

Thanks!

Thanks for the reassurance David. After seeing some of the photos in these forums of the nose strut rotated 180? and the resulting damage, I wanted to be proactive.

Bolts

Precision bolts have less variability and may fill a hole better. They are also strong. You might consider.

Another option you have, Dave, if there is wear on the parts that result in looseness whether you use a new bolt or not, is to install a tapered pin. Some of have done this during the build. It definitely takes out any possible slack or movement of the gear leg inside the socket. Once that gets started, further wear is inevitable and possibly rapid.

You can read more about the tapered pin installation here. Also, do a search here in the forums for lots more.

http://www.matronics.com/wiki/index.php/Nose_Gear_Strut