259 – Bonanza Clunking Wheel Noise Solved!

In episode 259 of the Airplane Owner Maintenance Podcast, Dean Showalter shares the resolution to a persistent clunking noise heard during wheel rotation on a Bonanza A36’s right main landing gear. After receiving a video from a friend, Dan, who owned the aircraft, Dean initially misidentified the source as the left gear but corrected that in the episode. Despite the noise not being reproducible during the annual inspection at Shenandoah Valley, Dean conducted a thorough teardown and discovered a small, raised metal bump on the brake disc—likely caused by metal transfer from worn brake linings. The linings were identified as Rapco, which Dean critiques for inconsistent quality and a cracked rivet, recommending instead APS black steel brake discs and linings. These high-performance, CNC-machined discs feature a proprietary heat treatment that resists corrosion and cracking, offering durability comparable to Cleveland discs at a lower cost. Dean replaced both discs and linings on all four wheels, resolving the issue and ensuring long-term reliability. He emphasizes the importance of proactive brake inspections, citing a real-world incident where a brake disc had completely separated mid-taxi, underscoring the critical safety implications of neglecting brake wear. The episode serves as a practical case study in aircraft maintenance, highlighting the value of community input, careful diagnostics, and upgrading to superior components. Dean encourages listeners to inspect their own brake systems, especially if they notice unusual noises. He also promotes the APS black steel brake system as a cost-effective, high-quality alternative to traditional options. The episode concludes with a reminder to prioritize safety over convenience when anomalies arise in aircraft systems.