FAQ's

I want to improve my wheel and brake system, but Beringer prices are too high.

Beringer systems are a little more expensive than standard products, but thanks to their exceptional reliability and life span, the long-term operating cost is economical. Aircraft owners can find it possible to see a return on their investment in 1 or 2 years with the following benefits. 

  • Long-lasting pads (often 3-5 times longer than standard pads) 
  • Non-leaking brake lines 
  • Quicker and simpler pad replacements
  • No tube expenses 
  • No bearing maintenance
  • Fewer flat-spotted tires (with ALIR)
  • Straighter and shorter stops
  • Smoother braking
  • Lighter components

If I switch to Beringer wheels and brakes, do I also need to change my master cylinders?

Not as long as they are compatible with the brake fluid. You will still need to check the hydraulic ratio. We recommend using master cylinders with a piston bore of 1/2" (9/16" maximum). Master cylinders with larger bores can not produce enough pressure to provide enough braking torque on the wheels. Older master cylinders may even mask the smoothness and feel of new Beringer calipers. To experience the full performance of Beringer brakes, we recommend using Beringer master cylinders as well.

 I filled my brake system with the wrong brake fluid; what can I do?

The wrong brake fluid will damage the seals after only a few minutes of contact, resulting in brake lock, leaking, or poor performance. Regardless of which brake parts you use, you will need to change all the seals of the entire system. If you use a Beringer system, contact us for repair kits, or send the parts back to us for repair.

 What type of brake fluid should I use?

You can most of the time find the proper brake fluid type written directly on the brake caliper and master cylinders. DOT4 usually has a yellow color, and Mineral ("Mil-spec" or "aviation") brake fluid is red. If you have any doubt, please contact Beringer.

How do I choose the correct wheels, tires, and brakes?

  1. First, select your tires according to the type of runway: grass, concrete, unimproved?
  2. Second, match the wheel to the tires. (See our tire-wheel application chart in the catalog.) The brakes you need will depend mainly on the aircraft's weight and the landing speed, though tire size can come into play at the extremes of the size ranges. To get close, use the formula to calculate the Kinetic energy needed (see the catalog page 9). We've listed many popular setups in the kit list of the catalog.

Why are most Beringer wheels made for tubeless tires?

Tubeless has many advantages compared to tube type:

  • safer — less risk of puncture
  • lighter — tubes weigh around 1 to 2 lbs. each
  • cheaper — no tube to buy
  • These are the same reasons why most current cars, motorcycles, and commercial airplanes use tubeless tires. 

Tubeless tires are designed to be airtight. Precise machining ensures proper contact between the tire and wheel.

 I have a technical question. Who can help?

Our Service Centers can answer many technical questions, but for a precise technical or engineering question, please contact us directly.