Maintenance Airframe; Maintenance Powerplant
Communication Breakdown; Time Pressure; Workload
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Maintenance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Company Policy; Human Factors; Incorrect / Not Installed / Unavailable Part; Staffing
During Main-Landing-Gear (MLG) Wheel Assembly replacement (for tire tread wear); during installation it was noted that some threads were stripped in an aluminum adapter inside the axle. Two bolts secure a spring clip that retains the wheel to axle nut. The spring clip prevents the nut from loosening. In turn; the two bolts are secured to the clip by safety wire. It would not be possible to torque one of the two bolts. The time was approaching to move the aircraft from the Hangar parking area to the Terminal; and there was insufficient time to procure and install a new adapter. The Mechanic installed the clip with two bolts; but could not tighten the second to the specified torque. The only thing holding the second bolt was the safety wire. The mechanic signed the block on the work card that he torqued both; but had not. If the bolt migrates; it may contact the (rotating) hubcap of the wheel. Damage to the hubcap may affect the anti-skid braking system.It is the (de facto) policy of local Management to reprimand any Mechanic involved in a late departure (originator delay due to maintenance). Usually this includes written 'performance counseling' forms on the Mechanic's record that can lead to termination. On time performance pressure to get the aircraft to the gate; to avoid an originator delay and to avoid being 'written up' influenced the mechanic to choose improper maintenance and falsification of records.Allow the mechanic sufficient time to perform and record proper maintenance -- i.e. follow written company policy.
An Aircraft Maintenance Technician reported about the effects of a 'De Facto' policy of reprimand by his air carrier's local Management whenever a Technician is involved in a late departure due to maintenance on originator flights. Technician did not torque one of two bolts securing a spring clip that retains a main landing gear wheel to axle nut on an ERJ-170 aircraft.