[Healeys] stub axles

[BJ8 Healeys]

Michael, from a structural point of view, the axles would be most likely to
crack on the bottom surface in the radius at the base of the axle.  I am not
a Non-Destructive Inspection expert, but I have picked up some knowledge
from my work with military aircraft.  
Fluorescent penetrant inspection is primarily used at the lowest level of
maintenance because it is cheap and simple.  However, it can detect only
surface cracks and relies on visual interpretation of results.  Very tight
cracks or laps in the surface could give misleading results.  There are
several variables that can influence the quality of penetrant inspection.
The inspection could be done with the stub axles installed.  By the way,
there is fluorescent penetrant and "dye" penetrant.  The latter is not
allowed as an inspection method for Naval aircraft due to unreliability of
results.

Magnetic particle inspection provides a more precise and reliable inspection
method, but of course requires more expensive equipment and a trained
operator and I do not believe it can be done without removing the stub
axles. 

Steve Byers
HBJ8L/36666
BJ8 Registry
Havelock, NC  USA
-----Original Message-----
From: healeys-bounces at autox.team.net [mailto:healeys-bounces at autox.team.net]
On Behalf Of awgertoo at aol.com
Sent: Saturday, January 02, 2010 12:10 PM
To: ampole at hotmail.com; msalter at precisionsportscar.com;
healeys at autox.team.net
Subject: Re: [Healeys] stub axles

What is the recommended procedure to best test stub axles.  I have  several 
sets of the three-part spray-on revealant and if the cracks are commonly  
found where the splined portion and the mounting flange meet at the "base
of 
the curve" it would seem to me that this could be done with the stub  axles 
in place.  Or do you think this should be done front and back and/or  that 
their being mounted would prohibit good prep, cleaning and application  of 
the various spray-on elements.
 
Thoughts please?
 
Best--Michael Oritt