W DOC AIRBUS | AMM A320F

Inspection/Check of the Wheels and Tires


TASK 32-41-00-210-002-A
Inspection/Check of the Wheels and Tires


WARNING: PUT THE SAFETY DEVICES AND THE WARNING NOTICES IN POSITION BEFORE YOU START A TASK ON OR NEAR:
  • THE FLIGHT CONTROLS
  • THE FLIGHT CONTROL SURFACES
  • THE LANDING GEAR AND THE RELATED DOORS
  • COMPONENTS THAT MOVE.
MOVEMENT OF COMPONENTS CAN KILL OR CAUSE INJURY TO PERSONS AND/OR CAN CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE EQUIPMENT.
WARNING: MAKE SURE THAT THE GROUND SAFETY-LOCKS ARE IN POSITION ON THE LANDING GEAR. THIS WILL PREVENT UNWANTED MOVEMENT OF THE LANDING GEAR, AND THUS POSSIBLE INJURY TO PERSONS AND DAMAGE TO THE AIRCRAFT AND/OR EQUIPMENT.
WARNING: LET THE BRAKES AND THE WHEELS BECOME COOL BEFORE YOU GO NEAR THE LANDING GEAR. DO NOT APPLY A LIQUID OR GAS DIRECTLY ON A HOT WHEEL OR BRAKE UNIT. THIS CAN CAUSE A TIRE EXPLOSION AND/OR A WHEEL RIM BURST.
WARNING: BE CAREFUL WHEN YOU USE CONSUMABLE MATERIALS. OBEY THE MATERIAL MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS AND YOUR LOCAL REGULATIONS.
CAUTION: IF A TIRE OVERSPEED (TIRE SPEED ABOVE THE LIMIT SPECIFIED BY THE TIRE MANUFACTURER) OCCURS DURING A TAKEOFF OR A LANDING, YOU MUST IMMEDIATELY:
  • REMOVE THE APPLICABLE WHEEL(S) FROM THE AIRCRAFT, AND
  • SEND THE RELATED TIRE(S) BACK TO THE TIRE MANUFACTURER TO MAKE SURE THAT IT/THEY IS/ARE SERVICEABLE.
ON A318, A319, A320 AND A321 AIRBUS AIRCRAFT, THE LIMIT SPEED IS 225 MPH (195 KTS).
1. Reason for the Job
Self explanatory
2. Job Set-up Information
 A. Consumable Materials
REFERENCE
DESIGNATION
(Material No.08ABC1)
Aqueous Cleaner-Aircraft Exterior Pressure Spraying -
(Material No.08BBD1)
Non Aqueous Cleaner-- Isopropyl Alcohol -
 B. Referenced Information
REFERENCE
DESIGNATION
TASK 31-33-00-710-009-A
Readout Procedure of the Digital Flight Data Recorder
TASK 31-33-00-710-009-B
Readout Procedure of the Digital Flight Data Recorder
TASK 32-41-00-210-003-A
Functional Check of Tire Pressures
TASK 32-41-00-910-001-A
Tire Mixability Precautions
TASK 32-41-11-000-006-A
Removal of the MLG Wheel
TASK 32-41-11-400-006-A
Installation of the MLG Wheel
TASK 32-41-12-000-001-A
Removal of the NLG Wheel
TASK 32-41-12-400-001-A
Installation of the NLG Wheel
3. Job Set-up
Subtask 32-41-00-860-051-A
A. Not Applicable
4. Procedure
NOTE: The data given is for bias and radial tires and for all Airline Operators.
Subtask 32-41-00-210-070-A
A. Visual Inspection of the Wheels
   (1) On each main gear wheel, examine the drive shroud of the tachometer.
   (2) Make sure that there are no cracks on the wheel rims.
   (3) Make sure that there are no leaks on the valves.
   (4) Make sure that the valve thread is not damaged. Fully tighten the valve cap which seals the valve from dirt and leaks.
Subtask 32-41-00-210-071-A
B. Visual Inspection of the Tires
   (1) Make sure that the aircraft tires are in the correct condition to continue to operate on the aircraft.
Make sure that the tires:
  • have no air leaks,
  • have no friction damage,
  • are worn equally,
  • have no cuts and flat spots.
    Remove the wheel when the tire is worn to the base of any groove in one or more points, or if you can see any reinforcing material (metal or fabric).
NOTE: Refer to the limits for the use of the tires.
   (2) Make sure that the tire pressure is in the specified limits (Ref. AMM TASK 32-41-00-210-003).
   (3) Obey the tire mixability precautions (Ref. AMM TASK 32-41-00-910-001).
   (4) Remove the wheel when the tire shows signs of a tread bulge (make a mark on the bulge before you deflate the tire) (Ref. AMM TASK 32-41-11-000-006) (Ref. AMM TASK 32-41-11-400-006) or (Ref. AMM TASK 32-41-12-000-001) (Ref. AMM TASK 32-41-12-400-001).
   (5) If the tread is not worn equally and if it is necessary, remove the wheel and put it on the opposite axle (Ref. AMM TASK 32-41-11-000-006) (Ref. AMM TASK 32-41-11-400-006) or (Ref. AMM TASK 32-41-12-000-001) (Ref. AMM TASK 32-41-12-400-001)).
Subtask 32-41-00-210-060-A
C. Tire Wear Deterioration Properties
NOTE: This data is given for information only.
   (1) Normal wear
An equal wear of the tread shows that the tire maintenance was correct during the tire life.
   (2) Uneven wear
     (a) Usually, underinflation (inflation pressure less than 90% of the nominal pressure (refer to table of pressure) (Ref. AMM TASK 32-41-00-210-003) can cause:
  • Too much tread shoulder wear
  • High deflection of the tire, with subsequent heat build-up which can cause important internal tire damage.
     (b) Overinflation (when the tire pressure is more than 105% of the nominal pressure (refer to table of pressure) (Ref. AMM TASK 32-41-00-210-003) can:
  • Cause too much wear on the center of the tire tread
  • Increase the risk of Foreign Object Damage (FOD) to the tire.
   (3) Maximum operation speed
On the A318, A319, A320 and A321 aircraft, the maximum wheel speed is 225 MPH (195 KTS) (if the wheel speed is not available, use the ground speed).
   (4) Tread damage
     (a) Flat spots
The locking of the wheel during braking, hard touch down or sudden steering maneuvers (for the NLG tires) cause flat spots.
     (b) Peeled rib
A peeled rib usually starts because of a cut in the tread and causes a circumferential delamination of the tread rib away from the tire carcass.
     (c) Tread rubber reversion
Wheel locking on wet or icy runways is the usual cause of tread rubber reversion.
It is an oval-shaped area in the tread (same as a flat spot) where rubber shows signs of burns (usually because of hydroplaning on wet or icy runways).
WARNING: REMOVE THE VALVE CORE WHEN THE TIRE IS FULLY DEFLATED. REMOVAL OF THE WHEEL VALVE CORE WHEN THE TIRE IS INFLATED CAN EJECT THE CORE WITH HIGH SPEED AND FORCE. THIS CAN CAUSE INJURY TO PERSONS.
WARNING: ALWAYS GO NEAR THE WHEELS FROM AN OBLIQUE ANGLE, IN THE DIRECTION OF THE TIRE SHOULDERS. IF YOU DO NOT OBEY THIS INSTRUCTION AND DAMAGE OCCURS TO THE TIRE, PIECES OF THE TIRE CAN CAUSE YOU INJURY.
     (d) Thrown tread
Thrown tread is a total or partial loss of tread that shows the carcass plies.
Signs of tread separation are tread bulges, local uneven wear (depression) or local tread/sidewall rubber split.
WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE OBJECTS FROM A PRESSURIZED TIRE. THE PRESSURE CAN EJECT OBJECTS WITH MUCH FORCE AND THUS CAUSE INJURY.
     (e) Tread cuts
The specified cut limits are related to the service experience of each vendor. Because of the different technologies and tire constructions, damage tolerance can be different for each manufacturer.
Refer to the applicable vendor manual for details.
Foreign objects that are on the runway, taxiway and parking areas can cause cuts to the tires.
If the tire has an unwanted object in the tread or sidewall:
       1 With a crayon, identify the area where you can see the object.
       2 Remove the wheel and make sure that the object does not move.
       3 Move the wheel to a safe area.
       4 Deflate the tire before you remove the object.
       5 Do an inspection of the tire at the tire shop.
     (f) Chevron cutting
Chevron cutting is a tread damage (large number of small Z-,S- or V-shaped cracks) usually in a tire-footprint area. Operation and/or braking on cross-grooved runways is/are the usual cause of chevron cutting.
     (g) Groove cracking
Groove cracking can occur after an environmental aggression of the rubber (ozone attack for example) or too much mechanical loading of the tire. These cracks occur at the bottom of the tread groove.
     (h) Rib undercutting
Rib undercutting is an extension of groove cracking that occurs because of the mechanical loading that continues below a tread rib. It can cause tread chunking, peeled rib or thrown tread.
     (i) Open tread splice
An open tread splice is a crack in the rubber where there is separation of joint or splice.
     (j) Tread chipping and chunking
This is a condition that you can see at the edge of the tread rib where small quantities of rubber start to separate from the tread surface. Tread chunking can occur because of high lateral loading of the tire because of a tight turning.
   (5) Sidewall damage
     (a) Cuts or cracks on the sidewall
Foreign objects on the operating surfaces frequently cause sidewall cuts.
     (b) Weathering and radial cracking
Weathering and cracking occur when tires are in aggressive environmental conditions.
     (c) Blisters and bulges
They usually are a sign of separation of components.
   (6) Contamination damage
Brake oil, tar oil, solvent, chemicals and hydrocarbon based products can cause contamination damage. It is necessary to clean the tire with Non Aqueous Cleaner-- Isopropyl Alcohol - (Material No.08BBD1) and Aqueous Cleaner-Aircraft Exterior Pressure Spraying - (Material No.08ABC1) .
After the cleaning, push the rubber in the contaminated area.
If the rubber is tacky, it is necessary to change the wheel.
   (7) Circular tire movement on the wheel:
     (a) Paint a continuous radial line on the tire and the wheel when the tire is installed.
NOTE: The paint radial line is not erased between each flight cycle.
     (b) If, after the first flight cycle, the circular tire movement is less than 20 degrees:
       1 Keep the wheel on the aircraft.
       2 Monitor the circular tire movement during the subsequent five flight cycles.
NOTE: The circular tire movement is the total of the tire movement during the five flight cycles.
     (c) If, after five flight cycles, the circular tire movement is more than 20 degrees:
       1 Replace the wheel.
       2 Send the tire to the tire shop for inspection.
NOTE: For more information, refer to the tire manufacturer specifications.
Subtask 32-41-00-210-052-A
D. Tire Utilization Limits
NOTE: Because each groove is part of the tread, the instruction given for tread is also applicable for cuts at the bottom of the groove.
   (1) Tread surface
CONDITION
OBSERVATION/ DAMAGE
ACTION
Normal wear
If:
  • The tread wear is at the bottom of groove at one or more points, or
  • You can see the reinforced ply (bias tire) or the protector ply (radial tire) at one or more points of the tread surface.
Remove the tire immediately.
NOTE: If the aircraft is away from the main base (or maintenance base) one flight to the main base (or to a line station where a spare wheel is available) is permitted.
Uneven wear
If the wear limits are reached.
Remove the tire immediately.
NOTE: If the aircraft is away from the main base (or maintenance base) one flight to the main base (or to a line station where a spare wheel is available) is permitted.
Overspeed
If a tire overspeed occurs during take-off or landing.

Do the readout procedure of the Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR) and download the wheel speed data (Ref. AMM TASK 31-33-00-710-009).
NOTE: As an alternative to DFDR readout, you can use Digital AIDS Recorder (DAR) data, if:
  • The DAR recording rate and the precision of the wheel speed is same as the DFDR recording rate and the precision.

Read the wheel speed information for each wheel and tire assembly.

Make sure that the wheel speed information of each wheel is not more than the maximum wheel speed (if the wheel speed information is not available, use the ground speed).

On A318, A319, A320 and A321 aircraft, the maximum wheel speed is 225 MPH (195 KTS).
Remove the wheel(s) in overspeed condition immediately.

Send the tire(s) back to the tire manufacturer (with the cause of the removal) to make sure that it is (they are) serviceable.

If it is not possible to find the speed of each wheel, replace all the wheels.
   (2) Tread damage
DAMAGE
OBSERVATION
ACTION
Flat spots
- If the flat spot goes to the
reinforcing ply (bias tire) or the
protector ply (radial tire).
- If the flat spot does not go to
reinforcing ply (bias tire) or the
protector ply (radial tire)
and if there is sufficient
groove depth in the flat spot
area (refer to the supplier
specification).
Remove the tire
immediately.

Keep the tire on the
aircraft.
Peeled rib

Remove the tire
immediately.
Tread rubber
reversion
During the check:
- If the tread rubber reversion
goes to the reinforcing ply
(bias tire) or the protector ply
(radial tire), or
- If there is shimmy or unbalance.
Remove the tire
immediately.
Thrown tread

Remove the tire.
immediately.
NOTE: It is necessary
to get pieces of tread
from the airport
authorities and
send them back to the home
base for Vendor analysis,
if necessary.
NOTE: If the tire is
still inflated after
the aircraft is parked,
it is necessary to wait
three hours (for tire
cooling) before you
record the pressure.
Then, deflate the tire
before the removal of the
wheel assembly.
Tread cuts
If there are no cut limits
specified in the documentation
and if:

(1) The cut or embedded object lets
you see or goes into the
reinforcing ply (bias tire)
or the protector ply
(radial tire):
- The cut goes into the outer casing
ply (bias tire) or the outer
layer (radial tire).
- The cut length is more than
50.8 mm (2.00 in.), or
- The cut width is more than
3.175 mm (0.125 in.), or
- the cut is not in the limits of
one rib.
- The cut is in the limits of one
rib and distance A between its
two ends is more than
12.7 mm (0.50 in.).

(2) The cut or embedded object does
not go into the reinforcing ply
(bias tire) or the protector ply
(radial tire):
- The cut length is more than
304.8 mm (12.00 in.), or
- The cut width is more than
3.175 mm (0.125 in.), or
- The cut is not in the limits of
one rib.
- The cut is in the limits of one
rib and distance B between its
two ends is more than
12.7 mm (0.50 in.).

Remove the tire
immediately.
Remove the tire
immediately.
Chevron
cutting
Because of different technologies
and tire constructions, damage
tolerance can be different for each
manufacturer and for each tire
reference of the same manufacturer.
Refer to the applicable Vendor
manual for data.
If there are no cut limits
specified in the documentation and
if:
- The tire is in the limits given
for tread cuts.
- You can see the tread reinforcing
ply (bias tire) or the protector
ply (radial tire).
Remove the tire
immediately.
Groove
cracking
During the check:
- If groove cracking lets you see
the reinforcing ply (bias tire) or
the protector ply (radial tire),
or
- Groove cracking undercuts the
adjacent rib.
Remove the tire
immediately.
Rib
undercutting

Remove the tire when
the crack goes below
the rib.
Open tread
splice

Remove the tire
immediately.
Tread
chipping
and chunking
If you can see the fabric.
Remove the tire
immediately.
   (3) Sidewall damage
DAMAGE
OBSERVATION
ACTION
Cuts or
cracks on
the sidewall
If you can see the sidewall cords
or if the sidewall cords are damaged.
Remove the tire
immediately.
Weathering
and radial
cracking
If you can see the sidewall cords.
Remove the tire
immediately.
Blisters and
bulges

Remove the tire
immediately.
Make marks on the
damage area before you
deflate the tire for
easy identification
and analysis by the
Vendor.
Bead bulges for MICHELIN MLG tire M01103-02 only
NOTE: It is possible to use a MICHELIN MLG tire M01103-02 with a bead bulge for six more flight cycles if there are all the conditions that follow:
  • The serial number is between 4182S020 and 6298S010.
  • The bead bulge is between the wheel flange and the circular line along the bottom of the MICHELIN AIR X letters.
  • When you find the bead bulge, the area where it is has the maximum dimensions that follow:
* Length: 100 mm (3.94 in.)
* Width: 70 mm (2.76 in.).

The bead bulge tolerance is applicable for the inner and outer tire sides.
After these six flight cycles, you must replace the tire with a serviceable one.
Subtask 32-41-00-210-052-H
D. Tire Utilization Limits
NOTE: Because each groove is part of the tread, the instruction given for tread is also applicable for cuts at the bottom of the groove.
   (1) Tread surface
CONDITION
OBSERVATION/ DAMAGE
ACTION
Normal wear
If:
- The tread wear is at the bottom of
groove at one or more points, or
- You can see the reinforced ply
(bias tire) or the protector ply
(radial tire) at one or more
points of the tread surface.
Remove the tire
immediately.
NOTE: If the aircraft
is away from the main
base (or maintenance
base) one flight to the
main base (or to a line
station where a spare
wheel is available)
is permitted.
Uneven wear
If the wear limits are reached.
Remove the tire
immediately.
NOTE: If the aircraft
is away from the main
base (or maintenance
base) one flight to
the main base (or to a
line station where a
spare wheel is
available) is permitted
Overspeed
If a tire overspeed (tire speed
more than the limit specified by
the manufacturer) occurs during
take-off or landing.
Remove all the wheels
immediately.
Send the tires back to the
tire manufacturer
(with the reason of
removal) to make sure
that they are
serviceable.
NOTE: There is no
tolerance.
   (2) Tread damage
DAMAGE
OBSERVATION
ACTION
Flat spots
- If the flat spot goes to the
reinforcing ply (bias tire) or the
protector ply (radial tire).
- If the flat spot does not go to
reinforcing ply (bias tire) or the
protector ply (radial tire)
and if there is sufficient
groove depth in the flat spot
area (refer to the supplier
specification).
Remove the tire
immediately.

Keep the tire on the
aircraft.
Peeled rib

Remove the tire
immediately.
Tread rubber
reversion
During the check:
- If the tread rubber reversion
goes to the reinforcing ply
(bias tire) or the protector ply
(radial tire), or
- If there is shimmy or unbalance.
Remove the tire
immediately.
Thrown tread

Remove the tire
immediately.
NOTE: It is necessary
to get pieces of tread
from the airport
authorities and
send them back to home
base Vendor
analysis, if necessary.
NOTE: If the tire is
still inflated after
the aircraft is parked,
it is necessary to wait
three hours (for tire
cooling) before you
record the pressure.
Then, deflate the tire
before removal of the
wheel assembly.
Tread cuts
If there are no cut limits
specified in the documentation
and if:



(1) The cut or embedded object lets
you see or goes into the
reinforcing ply (bias tire)
or the protector ply
(radial tire):
- The cut goes into the carcass
ply (bias tire) or the belt
ply (radial tire).
- The cut length is more than
50.8 mm (2.00 in.), or
- The cut width is more than
3.175 mm (0.125 in.), or
- The cut is not in the limits of
one rib.
- The cut is in the limits of one
rib and distance A between its
two ends is more than
12.7 mm (0.50 in.).

Remove the tire
immediately.

(2) The cut or embedded object does
not go into the reinforcing ply
(bias tire) or the protector ply
(radial tire):
- The cut length is more than
304.8 mm (12.00 in.), or
- The cut width is more than
3.175 mm (0.125 in.), or
- The cut is not in the limits of
one rib.
- The cut is in the limits of one
rib and distance B between its
two ends is more than
12.7 mm (0.50 in.).

Remove the tire
immediately.
Chevron
cutting
Because of different technologies
and tire constructions, damage
tolerance can be different for each
manufacturer an even for each tire
reference of a given manufacturer.
Refer to the applicable Vendor
manual for data.
If there are no cut limits
specified in the documentation and
if:
- The tire is at the limits given
for tread cuts.
- You can see the tread reinforcing
ply (bias tire) or the protector
ply (radial tire).
Remove the tire
immediately.
Groove
cracking
During the check:
- If groove cracking lets you see
the reinforcing ply (bias tire) or
the protector ply (radial tire),
or
- Groove cracking undercuts the
adjacent rib.
Remove the tire
immediately.
Rib
undercutting

Remove the tire when
the crack goes below
the rib.
Open tread
splice

Remove the tire
immediately.
Tread
chipping
and chunking
If you can see the fabric.
Remove the tire
immediately.
   (3) Sidewall damage
DAMAGE
OBSERVATION
ACTION
Cuts or
cracks on
the sidewall
If you can see the sidewall cords
or if the sidewall cords are damaged.
Remove the tire
immediately.
Weathering
and radial
cracking
If you can see the sidewall cords.
Remove the tire
immediately.
Blisters and
bulges

Remove the tire
immediately.
Make marks on the
damage area before you
deflate the tire for
easy identification
and Vendor analysis.
Bead bulges for MICHELIN MLG tire M01103-02 only
NOTE: It is possible to use a MICHELIN MLG tire M01103-02 with a bead bulge for six more flight cycles if there are all the conditions that follow:
  • The serial number is between 4182S020 and 6298S010.
  • The bead bulge is between the wheel flange and the circular line along the bottom of the MICHELIN AIR X letters.
  • When you find the bead bulge, the area where it is has the maximum dimensions that follow:
* Length: 100 mm (3.94 in.)
* Width: 70 mm (2.76 in.).

The bead bulge tolerance is applicable for the inner and outer tire sides.
After these six flight cycles, you must replace the tire with a serviceable one.
[Rev.10 from 2021] 2026.04.01 00:47:09 UTC