Inner Barrel

Is it time for a replacement?
In legacy Cessna aircraft, many nose struts have been in service for over 40 years. Over time, the inner barrel is subject to wear, corrosion, and pitting, which can degrade and roughen its surface, compromising the sealing integrity of the nose strut. A worn or corroded inner barrel negatively affects the performance of the nose strut by prematurely wearing out the seal sets that then lead to hydraulic fluid and gas leaks. These leaks reduce the effectiveness of the shock absorption system and result in:

• Frequent strut maintenance
• Increased operating costs
• Potential aircraft downtime

Replacing the inner barrel can restore the strut’s performance, improve seal longevity, and reduce the frequency of required maintenance. So, why choose the McFarlane replacement? Our inner barrel is designed to meet or exceed original specifications while reducing long-term maintenance needs and improving overall strut performance. The McFarlane inner barrel offers a cost-effective replacement solution while still using your existing fork assembly. We also offer match drilling services for ease of installation.

To determine which inner barrel to order, measure the total length of your current inner barrel. Compare that measurement to the table below. If you have any questions, browse through our reference guide.

If your specific length is not listed in the table below, order P/N MCSTRT-C00, which is a full length, uncut inner barrel (18”) that you can cut to your desired length and match drill prior to installation. For helpful measuring tips, match drilling, recommendations, and add-on services, browse through our reference guide.

Note: The inner barrel is chrome-plated, heat-treated, 4130 steel. This material cannot be cut with hand tools and requires machine cutting. If you would like your strut cut to length, order P/N MCSTRT-C99. Our team will cut to the length that you desire before shipping from our facility. When ordering, complete this form and email to [email protected]. Custom-cut inner barrels are non-refundable. Please cautiously measure before ordering and follow the tips provided on our reference guide.

Looking for additional strut improvements? We also have main landing gear, nose strut seals, torque links, shimmy dampeners, steering bungees, and many more complementary products. Visit our landing gear section to view all nose strut solutions.