I'm swapping out some old wheels/brakes on my C170 and the choice is between the ABI wheels/brakes kit for around $2200 w/aluminum wheels or the Cleveland kit, $2600 w/ magnesium wheels. Plane isn't going to live in a corrosive environment while I own it, hanger in Arizona and Michigan.

Anyone know about what the weight difference is between these? Is it worth $400 more?

I think the ABI kit is one of the few smoking deals left in aviation. I put them on my 170 about 4 years ago and love them.

Greg Hren was selling a pair of double puck calipers new here a few weeks ago, might save a few bucks.

Buy the Airframes kit. Good folks, decent prices and great equipment.

MTV

Magnesium is like margarine... let's leave it in the 70's and move along

asa wrote:Magnesium is like margarine... let's leave it in the 70's and move along

Good one!

MTV

Even though Magnesium is 33% lighter than Aluminium, the wheels aren't all that much lighter from memory. I am only familiar with Grove wheels, and it varies with make and model.

I was faced with the same decision and ordered Aluminium, but they they ran out of stock so supplied Magnesium for the same price. I was faced with delays to my entire aircraft shipment from Houston to New Zealand, so timely dispatch was important.

I don’t know if it’s the same for the Cessna 170, but in the 180 the ABI wheels are a direct replacement for the Cleveland wheels, which means you have to have the Cleveland STC already or purchase it - which may change your cost analysis.

Supply chain issues made the decision for me, I have magnesium

Besides weight, what are the other ramifications of aluminum vs magnesium?
Like which corrodes more, and from what ? Etc.

hotrod180 wrote:Besides weight, what are the other ramifications of aluminum vs magnesium?
Like which corrodes more, and from what ? Etc.

If you live in a humid/corrosive environment then you should go with aluminum