Cessna 120-140 Association

I see going thru some of the posted pictures of members airplanes that some have hub caps on the wheels and others don't. Is there an advantage/disadvantage either way? Or is it strictly cosmetic?

My thought is cosmetic I would say the tailwheel cap is to keep the dirt out and protect the nut? Think the wheel pants are good looking And keep the mud from hitting the wing bottom but possibly no gain in mph? Just a thought

Ok, I think I might have to fabricate a couple when I get the rest of the things done.

Personal preference?

Honestly.............I'd be willing to bet many times people just left the hub caps off for various reasons. If there are three mounting screw holes, they probably should be there. That being said, I doubt any IA will ding you on an annual for not having them. I also have never heard of the FAA on ramp checks looking for them missing or not.

Personal Experience with hub caps -

Make sure that if you do decide to install hub caps that you or whom ever installs them to take special care with the screws when installing the units onto the wheel hub assemblies. I've seen the screw hole threads stripped on the wheel because not enough care was used to insure that the screw mates correctly when installing hub caps. Just my 2 cents worth after a ham fisted former military aircraft mechanic that I took flying cross threaded two (2) screws on one of my wheels.

I like the look without them, but because I spend a lot of time off road I keep them on to help keep dust and moisture out of the wheel bearings. It’s a little more hassle to check tire pressures as well.

Yes, I can see that checking the pressure would be a bit more trouble. Will have to give this some thought....

8474 wrote: ↑Sun Dec 29, 2019 7:05 pm Yes, I can see that checking the pressure would be a bit more trouble.

And, that's how the screw holes get stripped...

6643 wrote: ↑Sun Dec 29, 2019 9:00 pm

8474 wrote: ↑Sun Dec 29, 2019 7:05 pm Yes, I can see that checking the pressure would be a bit more trouble.

And, that's how the screw holes get stripped...

I have also thought about making a pair but the thought of one of them being flung through the bottom of the wing or fuel tank has got me thinking twice. Long Chance? Have to be attentive to their security as someone has mentioned.
DMc