68-216 – Goodrich Nose Wheel Preformed O-Ring Seal
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The Goodrich 68-216 is a high-precision, flight-critical elastomeric seal designed specifically for the split-rim nose wheel assemblies of various corporate and commercial aircraft. This preformed O-ring serves as the primary pressure barrier within the wheel assembly, maintaining the airtight integrity of the tubeless tire system. In the demanding environment of the landing gear bay, the 68-216 is engineered to withstand extreme temperature fluctuations—from the sub-zero conditions of high-altitude cruise to the intense thermal radiation generated by high-speed taxi and braking operations.
Manufactured from a specialized fluorocarbon or high-performance nitrile compound, the 68-216 is optimized for its resistance to "set"—a phenomenon where a seal loses its elasticity over time—ensuring a constant, reliable squeeze between the wheel halves. The chemical composition of the seal is specifically formulated to be compatible with aircraft wheel lubricants and to resist degradation when exposed to hydraulic fluids (Skydrol), de-icing chemicals, and atmospheric ozone. For maintenance professionals, the 68-216 is an essential replacement item during every tire change, ensuring that the wheel assembly remains leak-free and structurally sound.
Key Features
Precision Cross-Sectional Geometry: Engineered to specific NAS or OEM tolerances to ensure the correct "squeeze" and volume-fill ratio within the wheel O-ring groove.
High-Resilience Elastomer: Fabricated from a compound that maintains its sealing force across a broad thermal range, preventing "cold-soak" leaks during winter operations.
Chemical and Fluid Resistance: Highly resistant to Skydrol, AvGas, Jet-A, and specialized aviation greases, preventing seal swelling or embrittlement.
Anti-Extrusion Properties: Designed to maintain its shape under high internal inflation pressures, preventing the seal from being forced into the gap between the wheel halves.
Low Permeability: Formulated to minimize the migration of nitrogen gas through the elastomer, helping to maintain consistent tire pressure over long service intervals.
Technical Specifications
Part Number: 68-216
Component Type: Preformed O-Ring / Wheel Seal
Manufacturer: Goodrich Corporation (Collins Aerospace)
Material: High-performance Synthetic Elastomer (typically Nitrile or Fluorocarbon)
Standard: Meets or exceeds MIL-P-25732 or MIL-P-5315 specifications
Application: Nose Wheel Split-Rim Assembly
Hardness: Typically 70-90 Shore A (Verify via CMM)
Certification: FAA-PMA / OEM Original Equipment
Aircraft Compatibility
Beechcraft King Air Series: Common application for the nose wheel of the 90, 200, and 300 series.
Cessna Citation Series: Utilized in various 500-series and CJ-series nose wheels.
Learjet Series: Applicable to specific nose wheel configurations for 35/45/60 models.
Various Regional Turboprops: Used in many Goodrich-manufactured nose wheel assemblies.
Note: The aircraft’s Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) or the Wheel/Brake Component Maintenance Manual (CMM) is the final authority for confirming the 68-216's compatibility with your specific wheel part number.
Applications
The 68-216 is utilized within the Nose Landing Gear Wheel Assembly (ATA 32). Its sole application is to provide an airtight seal between the two halves of a split-rim wheel. Without a healthy 68-216, a tubeless tire cannot maintain the required inflation pressure, leading to "flat spots," tire failure, or catastrophic loss of directional control during ground operations.
Why Choose 68-216?
Choosing the genuine Goodrich 68-216 ensures that your wheel assembly remains within its type-certified design envelope. Using industrial-grade "O-rings" from non-aviation sources is extremely dangerous; such seals often lack the necessary tensile strength and thermal stability to survive the centripetal forces and pressure cycles of an aircraft wheel. The 68-216 provides the reliability required for high-cycle operations, significantly reducing the risk of "slow leaks" that cause unscheduled maintenance and potential safety hazards on the runway.
The 68-216 is a critical element in the static and dynamic sealing of a high-pressure pneumatic system. From a materials science perspective, the seal must manage the Viscoelasticity of the polymer under constant compressive load. The O-ring is designed to achieve a specific interference fit within the machined groove of the wheel hub. As nitrogen pressure is applied, the 68-216 undergoes pressure-assisted sealing, where the gas force deforms the O-ring against the low-pressure side of the groove, enhancing the seal's effectiveness. The compound is engineered to avoid explosive decompression and to resist compression set, ensuring that even after months of high-altitude "cold-soak" followed by the friction-heat of landing, the elastomer maintains its geometric memory and sealing integrity.
Note: This is a flight-critical seal. The 68-216 is a single-use part and must be replaced every time the wheel halves are separated for tire change or inspection. Installation must be performed by a certified A&P mechanic. Use only the lubricant specified in the Wheel CMM (e.g., Parker O-Lube or Petrolatum) to prevent seal damage during assembly. Never use sharp tools to seat the O-ring, as even a microscopic nick can lead to a catastrophic pressure loss at high speed.
Documentation
Goodrich/Collins Aerospace Wheel & Brake Maintenance Manuals (Access restricted to authorized repair stations)
Parker O-Ring Handbook (Reference for Elastomer Compatibility)
Alternate Part Numbers: HEM68-216, 68-216LA, 50-300010-51LA, 50-300010-51
Product Overview
A nonmetallic circular item with an aperature, having a solid round cross-section. They are used primarily for sealing. For items with other than round cross section, see packing,preformed. For noncircular items with a round cross-section, see seal, nonmetallic round section, and rubber, round section.
What is a O-Ring?
O-rings are used to block a path which may otherwise allow a liquid or a gas to escape. The O-ring is placed into a groove to secure them in place, and then compressed between two surfaces.
This part is used on the following aircraft:
- Bombardier Global Express
- Global 5000
- Global 5500
- Global 6000
- Global 6500
- Global Express
- Global Express Extended Range
- Global Vision G5000
- Piper Aircraft PA-42 Cheyenne
- Textron Aviation Beechcraft King Air 200 - all variants
- King Air B200, B200T, B200C or B200CT
- King Air B200GT
- King Air B200GT Fusion or B200CGT Fusion
- Textron Aviation Cessna 500 Citation I-ISP
- Textron Aviation Cessna 650 Citation III-IV-VI-VII
- Citation III, VI or VII
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