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I've never heard of the bolts breaking does that happen?
Ive seen 206's with the three bolt weels so I assumed they were plenty strong.

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James, the guy who owned the 185 we used for part of a summer had the original wheels and brakes that Cessna used, McCauley, if memory serves. Anyway, he had one of the brake pads get loose, which is common on those. Luckily, he was landing on the grass and it didn't ground loop. Ordered up the new Clevelands and asked for 6 bolt wheels. They said that wheel was not approved for the 185 and wouldn't sell them to him. So, he got three bolt. As it turns out, the 6 bolt wheels use smaller bolts.

There is an air taxi here that runs 2 206's and a 207. He and his pilots are shearing bolts all the time, really honking on the binders to make the turn - off...you know the story. They use 3 bolt wheels. I don't think it is legal to drill them, or he would have done it. Might check with one of the Maintenance Inspectors.

gb

If you found a broken wheel bolt, most likely cause would be bolt was installed with too much torque.

I kind of agree with bumper on that one. I'm no mechanic either, but I don't think a Maule is heavy enough to break wheel bolts without some "help".

gb

you cant legally drill the additional holes in the 3 bolt. the origional holes butt up together solid metal. if you were to drill the 3 additinal holes the bolts would probably end up breaking the casting of the wheel. The next annual have your mechanic show you the inside of the wheel when he does the bearings. you will see what I mean. Hope this helps. I agree about the broken bolt from over torque. 75-90 inch pounds sounds right if memory serves.
Jason
Juneau, AK

Howdy,
The 6 bolt wheels are able to handle the additional torque put on them by the 8.50-6 or larger tires. If you do not stomp hard on the brakes you should be allright with the 3 bolt wheels. Any drilling into the wheel casting would significantly reduce the strength of the casting and could induce failure. Your friend with the 185 should contact the wheel and brake division of Parker Hannifin Corporation that has the STC and wheel kit #IM199-62A for 180, 185, and 206 aircraft. Good luck and have fun out there.

Use a inch pound torque wrench and torque to spec. I thought I was super mech and didnt need a torque wrench and within a few landing the bolts were failling. maybe a 6 bolt wheel you could get away with it.