LORD Corporation now offers re-bond repair for the Bell 412 Spindle Bearing.

According to Rodolphe Leroy, manager global sales, Business Development & Marketing, LORD Aerospace Aftermarket, LORD has implemented several changes to help lower direct operating costs (DOCs) for operators, as well as ease the maintenance burden in terms of cost and support.

“We have taken a serious look at how we can help lower Bell operators’ direct operating costs, not only by re-pricing our parts, but also by constantly looking to increase the life of our legacy parts and offering additional repairs on new and existing platforms,” said Leroy.

Bell approved LORD to re-bond the Bell 412 spindle elastomeric bearing as either a repair or a complete overhaul. All Bell 412 spindle bearing assemblies returned to LORD for overhaul will be evaluated to determine if they are in suitable condition for this repair. Spindle bearing assemblies eligible for repair will be inspected to ensure they meet Bell component repair and overhaul (CR&O) requirements.  Lead time for this repair is estimated at eight weeks. The complete overhaul will be performed on spindle bearings not eligible for the re-bond repair. Eligible parts will be repaired by re-bonding the elastomeric bearing without completely overhauling the metal spindle to reduce turnaround time and cost.

Leroy noted that all re-bond repair spindles will incorporate the improved service life LORD SPE IIA elastomer. Extensive testing and field experience with the SPE IIA elastomer has demonstrated significant service life improvement.

“LORD continues to strive and develop the next generation of elastomeric components to increase reliability and performance,” said Leroy. “Comparative endurance tests have shown a significant improvement in fatigue life using the LORD latest elastomeric technology. In fact, service life improvements of 30 percent or more are expected with the SPE IIA elastomer.”

LORD currently offers a two-year limited warranty or 1,000 hours for LORD repaired parts on the 412 platform.  However, LORD is working on new elastomeric technology that is expected to increase the life of main rotor hub elastomeric bearings to up to double the existing life.

LORD Corporation’s overhaul and repair program is FAA/EASA approved and can meet AOG requirements. Devoted solely to providing overhaul and repair products to aircraft owners and operators, customers can choose from an exchange pool, spare replacement parts, or complete overhaul of their product. Leroy noted that overhauled parts, manufactured with the same thoroughness as the parts going on a new aircraft, can be 50 percent cheaper than the new parts available through the OEM.

“Helping aircraft owners improve their bottom-line is part of our job as a leading supplier of vibration and motion control products.” said Leroy. “Our overhaul and repair parts program is simply one of the ways we help reduce DOCs.”