Narrative:

Notified that aircraft X; while in ZZZ for heavy maintenance visit 2; nose landing gear lock springs were installed incorrectly. Engineering job card has my initials for installation. Gear replacement was accomplished in march 2008. Inspection was accomplished on same date. Callback conversation with reporter revealed the following information: reporter stated when they received the overhauled nose gear from an outside repair station; the lock springs were already connected to the nose gear upper strut and the downlock link; which is also connected to the lockstay. When they installed the overhauled nose gear; they followed the maintenance manual (MM); using a complete gear installation procedure. The lock springs are not part of that installation procedure and the only reference states to make sure the lock springs are installed. No information about which end of the lock springs attaches to the gear strut. Reporter stated there is a much better picture of the correct position installation of the lock springs in the maintenance manual section that deals specifically with the removal and replacement of the springs. The manufacturer of the gear has found this upside down installation has no effect on gear operation; is not a safety of flight issue and noted this has happened several times at other carriers. Reporter stated airbus plans to change the complete gear installation section of the MM to include text that states the coiled end of the lock spring and not the rod looking end; should be connected to the gear strut.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: Nine months after installing a vendor overhauled nose landing gear on an A319; a Mechanic is notified both nose gear lock springs were found installed upside down.

Narrative: Notified that Aircraft X; while in ZZZ for Heavy Maintenance Visit 2; nose landing gear lock springs were installed incorrectly. Engineering job card has my initials for installation. Gear replacement was accomplished in March 2008. Inspection was accomplished on same date. Callback conversation with Reporter revealed the following information: Reporter stated when they received the overhauled nose gear from an outside repair station; the lock springs were already connected to the nose gear upper strut and the downlock link; which is also connected to the lockstay. When they installed the overhauled nose gear; they followed the Maintenance Manual (MM); using a complete gear installation procedure. The lock springs are not part of that installation procedure and the only reference states to make sure the lock springs are installed. No information about which end of the lock springs attaches to the gear strut. Reporter stated there is a much better picture of the correct position installation of the lock springs in the Maintenance Manual section that deals specifically with the removal and replacement of the springs. The manufacturer of the gear has found this upside down installation has no effect on gear operation; is not a safety of flight issue and noted this has happened several times at other carriers. Reporter stated Airbus plans to change the complete gear installation section of the MM to include text that states the coiled end of the lock spring and not the rod looking end; should be connected to the gear strut.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of May 2009 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.