3206 – Textron Aviation OEM Thrust Washer
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Overview
The Textron Aviation 3206 is a genuine OEM, flight-critical thrust washer, a primary structural component engineered for the nose landing gear (NLG) torque knee assembly of the Beechcraft King Air and 1900 series of aircraft. This is not a standard washer; it is a precision-machined, high-strength bearing designed to manage the significant axial (thrust) and torsional loads generated during nose wheel steering and ground maneuvering. The 3206 thrust washer acts as a low-friction, sacrificial wear surface between the articulating components of the NLG torque links (scissors). Its integrity is fundamental to ensuring smooth, binding-free steering and for maintaining the structural stability of the nose gear.
Manufactured from a high-strength, bearing-grade steel alloy, this component guarantees the durability and performance required for the demanding, high-cycle environment of a transport-category aircraft's landing gear.
Key Features
Manages Axial & Torsional Loads: Its primary function is to serve as a high-strength bearing, absorbing and distributing the axial (thrust) and torsional loads at the central pivot point of the nose gear torque links. This prevents the aluminum torque link lugs from wearing against each other.
Sacrificial Wear Surface: Engineered to be a replaceable, sacrificial component. It is designed to wear over time, protecting the much more expensive and difficult-to-replace forged aluminum torque link assemblies from direct frictional wear and damage.
High-Strength Bearing Steel: Fabricated from a premium, heat-treated steel alloy with a high surface hardness. This provides exceptional wear resistance and the compressive strength needed to withstand the immense loads of ground operations without deforming.
Precision Ground Surfaces: The faces of the washer are precision-ground to be perfectly flat and parallel, with an extremely smooth surface finish. This is essential for minimizing friction and allowing for smooth articulation of the torque links.
Corrosion-Resistant Finish: Plated with a durable finish to provide robust protection against corrosion from moisture, de-icing fluids, and other environmental factors encountered in the landing gear wheel well.
Technical Specifications
Part Number: 3206
Component Type: Nose Landing Gear Torque Link Thrust Washer
Material: High-Strength, Heat-Treated Bearing Steel
Finish: Corrosion-Resistant Plating (e.g., Cadmium)
Primary Function: Provides a low-friction, high-strength bearing surface for the torque link pivot.
Inspection: Subject to stringent wear-limit and corrosion inspection criteria.
Certification: FAA Production Approval
Aircraft Compatibility
The 3206 is the specified OEM thrust washer for the nose gear assemblies of some of the most successful turboprop aircraft ever built. It is imperative to consult the specific aircraft's Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) for final verification.
Primary Aircraft Models:
Beechcraft King Air: 90, 100, 200, 300/350 Series
Beechcraft 1900 Airliner
Beechcraft Starship
Why Choose 3206?
The nose gear torque links are the only components that keep the nose wheel aligned and transfer steering inputs from the rudder pedals. Excessive play or "slop" in the torque link pivot, often caused by a worn thrust washer, can lead to severe nose wheel shimmy, a loss of steering precision, and potential structural damage. Using a genuine Textron Aviation 3206 is the only way to ensure the part has the certified material hardness and precise dimensions required for a tight, reliable, and airworthy joint.
The Textron 3206 thrust washer is a critical component in a journal bearing application within the nose gear torque link assembly, often referred to as the "scissors." This assembly consists of upper and lower arms that pivot on a central bolt. The 3206 washer is installed at this pivot point, typically between the lugs of the upper and lower torque links. Its function is to handle the axial loads generated as the gear is turned. When the nose wheel steers, a slight twisting force is imparted on the scissors linkage, and the 3206 washer provides the hardened steel bearing surface that allows this rotation to occur smoothly while preventing the softer aluminum torque link arms from grinding against each other. Its precise thickness is critical for setting the correct clearance, preventing both binding (if too thick) and excessive play (if too thin or worn).
Note: This is a flight-critical landing gear component. Installation must be performed by a certified A&P or AME mechanic with experience in King Air landing gear systems, in strict accordance with the current Textron Aviation (Beechcraft) maintenance manual. It should be replaced if found to be worn beyond the limits specified in the manual.
NOTES
PART IS A WASHER - IF REQUIREMENT IS FOR A PUMP FUEL ORDER 3206CD PRICE VALID UNTIL STOCK DEPLETED