1942 WWII USAAF GROUND CREW TRAINING FILM “ SERVICING THE P-39 AIRACOBRA WHEELS AND TIRES ” 89164

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This WWII, U.S. Army Air Forces ground crew training film provides a training on the servicing of the P-39, the principal fighter aircraft in use when the United States first entered WW2. It's a great example of the type of detailed and rather exceptional instructional film produced by for mechanics during the war, that likely saved many millions of dollars in equipment loss and lives.
This film focuses specifically on the care and maintenance of the wheels and tires of the craft which (as the film points out a bit obviously) are only in use during take off and landing, though those few moments in use are vital to the pilot’s safety (:30). The main wheel from the P-39 is first to be removed (:48) as a mechanic demonstrates removal of the hub as well as the use of pliers to remove the cotter key and removal of the high castellated nut (:56). After the hub nut and bearing is removed, the wheel is jacked up (1:52). The three screws holding the dust cover in place are then removed (2:06) and the wheel is moved partly off the axel so the bearing can be easily taken out (2:45). The wheel is pulled straight out so as not to damage the axel thread (3:01). In order to pull the tire from the wheel, all the air must be let out (3:13) after the removable ring is taken off. The tube is pulled from the tire and carefully inspected for damage (4:17). The tire is then reset onto the wheel (4:45) and the rim is pulled over the lock ring (5:29). The bearing is cleaned prior to reinstallation with carbon tetrachloride (5:46). The brake disks are then cleaned (6:10). The bearing is replaced and lubricated according to the directions shown at (6:39). The noise which is made when wheels revolve is the brake disks rubbing against one another (7:19). The bearing dust cap and wheel dust cover are then replaced (7:38) as well as the three screws on the outside. After the jack is released, the film turns to the changing of the nose wheel (8:20). Brakes must be set and the nose of the plane is jacked up (8:27). The safety wire (8:39) is first to be taken off and the demonstration man keeps a pan nearby to hold all of the parts (9:19). A pair of plyers is used to pull off the valve cap (10:10) and the stem is turned out which will deflate the tube. The lock ring (11:50) is then removed and the tube must be deflated to remove the tire from the wheel (12:08). To replace the tube into the tire the air is forced out (14:08). The valve is replaced and the tube is refilled so the wheel hub can be reinserted (14:36). The hub is then aggressively forced through the center of the tube (15:29) and the rim is replaced (16:18). The lock ring is then reset into the grooves (16:33) and the rim is pulled over the lock ring. An air filler is seen struck through the stem to refill the tube (17:17). The dust cover is added again (18:00). The wheel is then taken to the plane for installment (18:26). First, the spacers on either side of the wheel and the axel are to be cleaned (18:36). The axle nut is tightened and the safety wire is rethreaded (20:08). The film concludes at (20:45).
The Bell Aircraft P-39 Airacobra was an innovative WWII American fighter aircraft featuring an the engine that sat behind the pilot and a tricycle undercarriage. Due to the fact that it lacked an efficient turbo-supercharger, the plane was not suited for high altitude combat and instead was used primarily at low altitude. This made it well suited for the Eastern Front, where it was used extensively and very successfully by the Soviet Air Force.
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[@lesliethilow3011]

The mechanic in this instructional film reminds me of my father. He was an airplane builder, and marine engine diesel instructor during the war. I was lucky to learn from him. We did all of this stuff on our cars and bikes together at home in our driveway with him teaching me to think, and to use my hands intelligently along the way. It helped shape my life. When I do these enjoyable things today I see my father watching over me, guiding me and smiling.

[@julianneale6128]

So fantastic that we can watch this here on this app.

[@redcat9436]

I just did a tire change on a Citation Latitude today and the process hasn't changed much in 85 years.

[@gregj4857]

Great old video now I can change the tires on my P-39. that guy didn't seem to enthused about his job. Thanks for the video

[@skylongskylong1982]

The P39 was an interesting aircraft the RAF took it out of service after its first sortie over Holland, in 1941. While the Soviet Union Air Forces regarded it as a superb ground attack aircraft.

[@umbrellashotgunman]

It was actually well-regarded as a fighter! I remember reading an interview with a Soviet ace where he absolutely insisted it was more than a match for any German fighter at low altitude. Indeed, I think half of the top 10 Soviet aces were primarily P-39 pilots.

[@ukar69]

If my P-39's nosewheel needs replacing I think I'll just get another aircraft.

[@timothyharrison8953]

I've worked in a wheel tire shop in the Air Force at three locations on two types of aircraft. I've also worked in a wheel and tire shop for Bombardier on a multitude of business jets and commercial jets. I'm happy to say I've never encountered anything as frustrating as the wheels and tires on this misfit. What was the engineer thinking?

[@redcat9436]

Citation mechanic here. I don't think it looked that difficult. His tire came apart easier than any Goodrich wheel I've disassembled.

[@ShakespeareCafe]

You can use the same techniques to replace a tire on your wheelbarrow.

[@lenscap8925]

While performing this maintenance make sure your tools, rags, and critical parts are in contact with dirtiest part of service area...

[@rodriguespinto845]

Very good. Here Brazil.

[@paintnamer6403]

I wanna know how to use the jacks!

[@andrewsmactips]

Wheels and tires inspired by Walt Disney.

[@markfrench8892]

Good ole carbon tet. 😆

[@trentdawg2832]

He moves slower than molasses