What must be done with the mounting nuts and studs during propeller removal?

What must be done with the mounting nuts and studs during propeller removal?

• A. Unscrew mounting nuts and protect threads of the mounting studs or bolts
• B. Tighten mounting nuts
• C. Remove mounting bolts entirely
• D. Lubricate threads

Answer: (A)

Relieving the mounting fasteners and protecting the threaded ends is essential when removing a propeller. The prop hub is held to the engine crankshaft by mounting nuts on studs (or through bolts). Unscrewing these nuts ensures the nut-to-thread interface isn’t loaded or forced during separation, reducing the risk of damaging the studs or bolts. Keeping the threads protected (clean, undamaged) preserves thread integrity for reassembly and helps avoid galling or cross-threading. Tightening the nuts would keep the prop secured, removing bolts entirely isn’t the standard removal method for this setup, and lubricating threads can contaminate the mating surfaces and compromise reassembly—so unscrewing the nuts and protecting the threads is the proper procedure.

Relieving the mounting fasteners and protecting the threaded ends is essential when removing a propeller. The prop hub is held to the engine crankshaft by mounting nuts on studs (or through bolts). Unscrewing these nuts ensures the nut-to-thread interface isn’t loaded or forced during separation, reducing the risk of damaging the studs or bolts. Keeping the threads protected (clean, undamaged) preserves thread integrity for reassembly and helps avoid galling or cross-threading. Tightening the nuts would keep the prop secured, removing bolts entirely isn’t the standard removal method for this setup, and lubricating threads can contaminate the mating surfaces and compromise reassembly—so unscrewing the nuts and protecting the threads is the proper procedure.