Steering Bungee Boot: How they can fail, and why to replace yours!
When does failure occur?
Boot failure occurs from radiant heat off the exhaust system and flexing with the steering system. Cessna original boots use material that becomes stiff, brittle, and causes premature boot failure. Torn boots allow carbon monoxide to enter into the cabin. The C182 boot must be free from holes, tears, and leaks to prevent that from happening. Note: it is normal for the exhaust system to leak exhaust at the component joints. Leaks in the firewall will allow exhaust and carbon monoxide to enter the cabin.
Replacement Steering Bungee Boot
10x the life at half the price!
P/N MC0713666-1
McFarlane has improved the design of both the boot and the retaining flange. The Cessna boot is prone to ripping and tears caused by fatigue and premature infrared heat related material break down. We utilized a three ply material design incorporating both Kevlar and fiberglass, and a supple high temperature rubber coating. Kevlar and fiberglass work together to prevent wear, fatigue, and heat failures while providing extended fire protection at 2,000 degrees F. We also upgraded the original aluminum flange to a stainless steel firewall material. The flange is included with the boot.
- Kevlar/Fiberglass composite for strength and fire protection
- Fire proof stainless steel flange
- Deeper convoluted design for better flexibility and longer life
Don't Forget the Clamp!
Cessna failed to list the clamp in the parts catalog, therefore people tend to use a nylon cable tie which will easily melt away with an engine fire. Always use metal clamp P/N MCS2357-2S to attach the boot to the steering link.
Does your steering bungee need replaced?
The OEM steering bungee fails internally where the spring retention washer is swaged to the main shaft. This premature failure is caused by normal use and is drastically accelerated by nose gear shimmy. Our design eliminates the swage retention and is replaced with a threaded and locked attachment. When the swage fails, it allows the main shaft and the bungee spring to separate, causing total loss of steering control.
Look for these signs:
- Nose wheel steering is unusually sluggish
- The aircraft pulls to either side during taxiing
- Inconsistent steering or rudder rigging
Replace your steering bungee with P/N MC0760622-1, which is FAA-PMA approved for Cessna 182E thru 182T.
We also have steering rods and boots for various Cessna 150 thru 182D aircraft.
