453-188 – Piper Aircraft OEM Jury Strut Eye Bolt
Available now on the Airparts.aero Marketplace.
Overview
The Piper Aircraft 453-188 is a genuine OEM, flight-critical eye bolt specifically designed for the attachment of the jury strut within the wing strut assembly of numerous classic Piper high-wing aircraft. This is a primary structural fastener whose function is essential for maintaining the rigidity and structural integrity of the entire wing bracing system. The jury strut, a smaller brace extending from the main wing strut, prevents buckling under compression loads, and this eye bolt provides the secure pivot and attachment point necessary for its function.
Manufactured from high-strength alloy steel and cadmium plated for corrosion resistance, the 453-188 is engineered to withstand the tensile, shear, and vibrational loads encountered during flight. Its precise dimensions, including the eye diameter, shank length, and thread specification, are critical for a proper fit and load transfer. As a component directly involved in the primary structure supporting the wing, there is no substitute for the certified quality and material integrity of this genuine Piper OEM part.
Key Features
Genuine Piper Aircraft OEM Part: The original, factory-specified component, guaranteeing correct material, dimensions, heat treatment, and performance.
Flight-Critical Structural Fastener: Essential for the integrity of the jury strut and main wing strut bracing system.
High-Strength Alloy Steel Construction: Fabricated from heat-treated alloy steel (likely 4130 or similar) for maximum strength and fatigue resistance.
Superior Corrosion Protection: Cadmium plated in accordance with aerospace specifications to protect against rust and environmental degradation.
Precision Machined: Manufactured to exact Piper specifications for thread form, shank diameter, and eye geometry, ensuring a perfect fit.
Technical Specifications
Part Number: 453-188
Component Type: Jury Strut Eye Bolt
OEM Manufacturer: Piper Aircraft, Inc.
Material: High-Strength Alloy Steel, Heat-Treated.
Finish: Cadmium Plated per applicable aerospace standards.
Thread Specification: Per Piper engineering drawing (Verify with IPC).
Governing Specifications: Manufactured to proprietary Piper Aircraft drawings and quality standards, meeting all applicable FAA airworthiness requirements.
Aircraft Compatibility
This eye bolt is commonly used on a wide range of classic Piper high-wing aircraft, including but not limited to:
Piper: PA-18 Super Cub, PA-20 Pacer, PA-22 Tri-Pacer, PA-22 Colt
Note: This compatibility list is for general reference. The specific aircraft Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) for a given serial number is the final and absolute authority for determining part applicability.
Applications
Jury Strut Attachment: Provides the primary attachment point for the jury strut to either the main wing strut or the wing structure itself.
Wing Strut Bracing: Serves as a critical load-transfer component within the external wing bracing truss.
Why Choose 453-188?
The wing strut system is what holds the wings onto the aircraft. The 453-188 eye bolt is a primary structural element within this system. Using a non-certified, commercial-grade eye bolt, or a part of unknown origin, is an extreme safety risk. Such hardware will lack the certified material strength, proper heat treatment, and precise dimensions required. Failure of this component due to fatigue, overload, or improper fit could lead to the buckling of the main wing strut and catastrophic structural failure of the wing in flight. Sourcing a genuine, traceable Piper OEM 453-188 is the only way to ensure the airworthiness and structural integrity of your aircraft.
The engineering significance of the 453-188 eye bolt lies in its role as a tension and shear lug within the wing's external truss structure. The main wing strut primarily carries compressive loads but can also experience tension and bending. The jury strut acts as a critical brace, preventing the long main strut from buckling under these compressive loads, much like the intermediate supports on a long column. The 453-188 eye bolt serves as the pin-joint connector in this system. It must be strong enough to transfer the jury strut's bracing force into the main strut or wing structure, primarily through shear stress across its shank. Additionally, the eye portion must withstand the tensile and bearing stresses imparted by its connecting fastener. The use of high-strength, heat-treated alloy steel is mandated by these combined, flight-critical load conditions.
Note: The 453-188 is a flight-critical structural component. Installation must be performed by a certified A&P/IA mechanic. It is typically secured with a castellated nut (e.g., AN310 or AN320) and a cotter pin (e.g., MS24665) for positive locking. The bolt and surrounding structure must be inspected regularly for signs of wear, elongation, corrosion, or cracking in accordance with the aircraft maintenance manual.
Documentation
No public-facing OEM specification sheet was located for this proprietary part number. All authoritative technical data, installation procedures, and inspection criteria are contained within the official Piper Aircraft Maintenance Manual and Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) for the applicable aircraft models.
