For hobbyist aircraft builders, knowing how to spot and fix tire problems is an integral part of airplane maintenance. While wheel and brake troubleshooting is a related topic, tires need their own attention and inspection routine. This guide covers common tire issues, how to diagnose them, and how to prevent them from happening again.
Common Aircraft Tire Problems During Airplane Maintenance
The vast majority of tire issues develop over time and show clear signs during a pre-flight inspection – but you have to know what to look for. Here are some common tire problems that come up most often during routine airplane maintenance:
- Uneven Tread Wear
When one side of the tire wears faster than the other, the cause is usually misalignment, improper inflation, or an issue with the wheel assembly. Left alone, uneven wear shortens the life of the tire and can affect ground handling. - Cracking and Weather Checking
Aircraft tires sit idle between flights, often outside or in hangars with temperature swings. UV exposure, ozone, and dry air can cause the rubber to crack, usually starting on the sidewall. Small cracks may look minor, but deep ones can compromise the structural integrity of the tire. - Cuts, Scuffs, and Foreign Object Damage
Gravel, debris, and rough pavement on runways and taxiways can leave cuts in the tread or sidewall. Some cuts are cosmetic, but anything that exposes the cord layer means the tire needs to come off. - Flat Spots
Hard braking or a locked wheel during landing can grind a flat area into the tread. A flat spot creates vibration during taxi and takeoff and weakens the tire at that point. - Underinflation and Overinflation
Tire pressure changes with temperature, altitude, and time. Both low and high pressure cause problems. Underinflated tires flex too much and overheat while overinflated tires wear in the center and are more vulnerable to cuts and impact damage. - Bead Damage
The bead seals the tire to the wheel. Improper mounting, corrosion on the wheel half, or repeated low-pressure operation can damage the bead and cause slow leaks.
Troubleshooting Tire Issues in Airplane Maintenance
Aircraft troubleshooting works best as a step-by-step process. Skipping ahead to replacement before identifying the root cause means the same problem will likely return. Use the following steps to diagnose tire issues during your inspection routine.
Inspect the Tire Surface Before Every Flight
A visual inspection is the first and easiest step. Walk around the aircraft and check each tire for cracks, cuts, embedded debris, and uneven wear. Look at the sidewall, the tread, and the area where the tire meets the wheel.
Pay special attention to the wear pattern. Wear in the center points to overinflation, and wear on both edges points to underinflation. Wear on one side suggests an alignment or assembly issue. If you find a cut, measure its depth. If the cord layer is exposed, the tire is no longer airworthy.
Check and Adjust Tire Pressure
Use a calibrated pressure gauge and follow the pressure specification listed in your aircraft’s manual. Check pressure when the tires are cold, since heat from recent operation will give a false reading.
If a tire loses pressure between checks, look for the source. Test the valve stem with soapy water to find leaks, and inspect the bead area for damage or corrosion on the wheel half. A slow leak that has no obvious cause may indicate internal damage to the tire that requires removal and closer inspection.
Evaluate Wheel and Brake Components
Tire problems often trace back to other parts of the landing gear. A worn wheel bearing can cause uneven loading and uneven wear. A dragging brake heats the tire and accelerates wear on one side. A bent axle or misaligned wheel assembly puts the tire at an angle that grinds the tread.
If your aircraft troubleshooting has ruled out inflation and inspection findings, take a closer look at the wheel and brake assembly. Spin the wheel by hand and feel for resistance or wobble. Then, check the brake for drag and confirm the caliper releases fully. Address any issues with the supporting components before installing a new tire, or the new tire will wear out the same way.
Prevent Future Tire Issues with Quality Parts
One of the best ways to prevent tire problems is to use high-quality tires that are built to last. At Matco ALS, our tires are engineered to withstand the rigors of regular operation and help reduce the need for airplane maintenance. Shop now to find the perfect tires for your aircraft.