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Releasing accumulator preload before disassembly

Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice question 12 of 15 on Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems. ACS element AM.II.F.R1 · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONBefore disassembling any hydraulic accumulator, a mechanic must first take what action?

  1. Adrain the hydraulic fluid from the gas chamber
  2. Bcharge the gas chamber to system pressure
  3. Cdischarge all preload air or nitrogen
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. discharge all preload air or nitrogen

  • A — incorrect The gas chamber holds nitrogen or air rather than fluid, and draining fluid does nothing about the stored gas energy that makes disassembly hazardous.
  • B — incorrect Adding charge before disassembly increases the stored energy and the hazard; the preload must be removed instead.
  • C — correct Before disassembling any accumulator, ensure that all preload air or nitrogen pressure has been discharged; failure to release the preload could result in serious injury.

BACKGROUND

Maintenance of accumulators consists of inspections, minor repairs, replacement of component parts, and testing, and there is an element of danger in this work, so proper precautions must be strictly observed to prevent injury and damage. Before disassembling any accumulator, ensure that all preload air or nitrogen pressure has been discharged, because failure to release the preload could result in serious injury to the technician. Before making this check, be certain you know the type of high-pressure air valve used on the unit. Only when all air pressure has been removed can the unit be taken apart, and the manufacturer's instructions for the specific unit must be followed.

STUDY TIP

Identify the gas servicing valve type before touching it, since the method of verifying that the charge is gone depends on the valve design.

KEY POINTS

  • Accumulators store high-pressure gas energy and are hazardous to disassemble.
  • All preload air or nitrogen must be discharged before disassembly.
  • Know the type of high-pressure air valve fitted before attempting to release the charge.

SOURCES

  • sources/ama-airframe/ch12.txt "Maintenance of Accumulators"
Practice the Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA) test →Timed 100-question exam, by ACS area, or review your misses. Free.
MORE ON HYDRAULIC AND PNEUMATIC SYSTEMS

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-31B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – Airframe, and 14 CFR part 43. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.