B737-700
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 161; Flight Crew Type 6800
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe
Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
During rotation for takeoff; just as the nose gear was leaving the ground; the aircraft experienced a vibration/shudder. Once airborne; the gear was raised as all engine indications and aircraft feel were normal. Gear retraction was normal. During the departure; ATC informed us that Tower called stating we had a possible tire issue on takeoff as rubber was found on the runway. We coordinated with Dispatch/ATC and returned back to the airport. We configured [for landing] slowly; checking for control/gear issues and none were noted.We performed a tower fly by with gear and 40 flaps and Tower advised the Number 1 tire looked damaged. We then left the configuration the same as I flew around the pattern to a Visual Approach to 13R. Landing was uneventful with little issue of directional control. We stopped on the runway and had the aircraft inspected. Both Number 1 and Number 2 tires were damaged as well as a hydraulic line on left strut. 'A' system hydraulic pressure was lost on the runway. Maintenance replaced both tires and aircraft was towed to the gate with passengers on board.
We determined we could not continue to the gate and it was best for Maintenance to change both left main tires. The hydraulic system A line was ruptured from the debris on landing and we determined this didn't present a safety issue at the time.
Following abnormal vibration during landing gear retraction and a report of rubber on their departure runway the flight crew of a B737-700 returned to their departure airport; did a tower fly by and landed with two damaged left main gear tires and a broken and leaking hydraulic 'A' system line on the gear strut.