T-34C Wheel Brake System

CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

T-34C AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS FAMILIARIZATION

WORKBOOK

2302. T-34C WHEEL BRAKE SYSTEM

The main landing gear wheels are equipped with hydraulic brakes which stop and steer the

aircraft. The brakes are unboosted, hydraulic, single-disc and can be actuated on either or both

wheels. Forward toe pressure on the upper part of the rudder pedal(s) pressurizes the system

hydraulic fluid through the action of the master cylinder located on each rudder pedal. Shuttle

valves located between the front and aft master cylinders isolate the master cylinders not in use.

A brake assembly on each main mount wheel is made up of a rotating disc attached to the wheel,

and a nonrotating housing attached to the strut consisting of the wheel cylinder pistons and brake

pads (pucks). Minimum pad thickness on preflight inspection is 1/10 inch. The cockpit that first

applies the brakes has control; however, due to action of the shuttle valves, the pilot exerting the

greatest amount of toe pressure on the brakes can "take control" of the brakes. If both pilots push

with equal pressure, loss of braking may occur. The brakes do not have antilock devices. The

system is serviced through a filler neck located forward of the windshield.

Parking Brake

The parking brake system is comprised of the normal brake system plus a parking brake handle

and valve. A center lock button type parking brake handle is located in the front cockpit on the

right subpanel. The parking brakes can only be set by the pilot in the front cockpit by first

depressing the center lock button and pulling out the handle, then applying the toe brakes.

Pulling the handle out sets a one-way check valve and any pressure subsequently applied by the

front cockpit pedals to the brakes is held. Pushing the handle in unseats the check valve, thereby

releasing the pressure. The center button must be depressed prior to setting or releasing the

brake handle. Damage may occur if the parking brake is set when the brakes are overheated or

in freezing ambient temperatures.

Figure 23-1 Wheel Brake System

23-2

WHEEL BRAKE SYSTEM