What is the role of torque links in a main landing gear, and what symptom indicates wear?

• A. Torque links provide steering for the gear; wear shows as loss of steering control.
• B. Torque links are purely cosmetic.
• C. Torque links keep the wheel aligned and limit fore–aft movement; wear may appear as abnormally worn pivot holes, visible play, or misalignment.
• D. Torque links dampen vertical loads on landing.

Answer: (C)

Torque links keep the wheel aligned with the aircraft and control fore‑aft movement between the wheel axle and the landing gear leg. They act like a guided linkage that prevents the wheel from shifting forward or backward as the gear extends and retracts, helping the brake assembly stay properly oriented and the wheel tracking along the aircraft’s centerline. Because of this role, wear shows up as signs that the linkage is no longer holding the wheel in the correct position: pivot holes that are abnormally worn, any visible play in the linkage, or misalignment of the wheel relative to the strut. These symptoms indicate the joints or holes have loosened or degraded and the wheel is no longer kept in proper alignment. Torque links aren’t used for steering, they aren’t purely cosmetic, and they don’t dampen vertical loads; their job is alignment and limiting fore‑aft movement.