One of the responsibilities of an intermediate maintenance activity (IMA) is to determine wheel overhaul requirements. Other IMA responsibilities include painting, cleaning, inspection (lubrication), corrosion and physical damage blendout, and wheel half mismatching.

When the wheel paint has deteriorated to the extent that touch-up is not feasible, wheels may be stripped and repainted. Stripping and repainting are allowed only if the IMA is authorized to paint with aliphatic polyurethane.

To inspect aircraft wheels for cracks, physical damage, and corrosion, they must be clean. All dirt, rubber, and grease deposits must be completely removed. Cleaning for appearance sake is not a requirement. Removing stains is not a necessity. Many wheels will be discolored after the rubber deposits have been removed from the tire bead areas. This discoloration is acceptable, and further cleaning is not necessary. Often there are discolored areas around brake keys that are difficult to remove without damaging the paint.

Clean the wheels as follows: 1. Prepare one tank (solution A) of cleaning solution consisting of 4 to 9 parts cleaning solvent (P-D-680) and 1 part solvent emulsion cleaner (P-C-444).

2. Prepare another tank (solution B) of cleaning solution consisting of 4 to 9 parts of clean water and 1 part emulsion cleaner (MIL-C-43616).

You should use P-D-680 solvent only in well-ventilated areas. You should also avoid skin contact by wearing protective equipment for your eyes and hands.

3. Place the wheel portion to be cleaned on a grill over solution A, and spray it thoroughly with solution A to remove all loose grease and soil.

4. Immerse the wheel portion in solution A, and allow it to soak for 20 minutes.

5. Repeat step 3, and then scrub the tire bead areas with bristle brushes to remove the rubber deposits. Do not use wire brushes.

6. Thoroughly dry the wheel with compressed air.

7. Immerse the wheel portion in solution B, and allow it to soak for 20 minutes.

8. Place the wheel portion on a grill over solution B, and spray it thoroughly with solution B. Remove any remaining soil or grease deposits with liberal amounts of solution B and bristle brushes.

9. Thoroughly wash the wheel portion with a high-pressure stream of clean water to remove all solvents. Compressed air may be used to dry the wheel.