Hi there
I am just about to replace the bladder but unsure how to remove the main valve in the leading edge, and also the feed to the strut.
Any guidance much appreciated
Select to expand quoteJonnoR said..
Hi there
I am just about to replace the bladder but unsure how to remove the main valve in the leading edge, and also the feed to the strut.
Any guidance much appreciated
If i recall correctly from an older nova (2023?) the main valve has a lip around it that attaches to the outer wall. As for the connecting tube, i believe there is a plastic cap you open up and then just pull the hose off a barbed fitting.
Just pay attention during the removal of the old bladder. Doesnt really matter if you damage it any further as you're replacing it anyway.
You unscrew the leading edge valve and take that away. The remaining valve on the bladder is held in place with velcro. Just push it in.
The strut valves are held in place with a two piece plastic collar. Insert the tip of a flat blade screw driver into the join and give it a little lever and it will pop off.
Pull the hose off the valve then push the end of the valve inside. There's a groove in the valve holding it onto the fabric.
When you put it back together you need to seat the fabric back into the groove. You do that by putting a loop of string line around the strut valve and pull on that with a circular motion while pressing the fabric down around the base of the valve.
This video shows that at the 4 min mark. The valves in the video are the same as North, but the strut collars are different.
Search for kite bladder replacement videos for anything you need to know. Look for videos with bits and pieces that are similar to your wing.
