Short story long that's how the stock nose wheel gear bolt looks after 6 years of constant abuse. RV9A with over 3,000 of flying hours and 4,200+ landings some of them at places I wouldn't even think of going second time. No modifications to the gear whatsoever all stock.
Replaced with the same AN5-20A bolt per plans added an extra thin washer and used red Locktite on threads. Surprisingly there was no play after cleaning out the hole in the engine mount and the gear leg. Snug fit. If anybody has an ability to analyze the old bolt I would gladly mail it. It would be interesting to know how fatigued the bolt is and how far it is from the failure.
Replaced with the same AN5-20A bolt per plans added an extra thin washer and used red Locktite on threads. Surprisingly there was no play after cleaning out the hole in the engine mount and the gear leg. Snug fit. If anybody has an ability to analyze the old bolt I would gladly mail it. It would be interesting to know how fatigued the bolt is and how far it is from the failure.