Static RPM

Any pilot that experiences an intermittent/variable vibration in the air, might just like to try the easiest cheapest "fix" first - apply your wheel brakes, doesn't have to be hard, just create a bit of drag and lock on. You may be surprised and even delighted, when the vibration stops. Go on, give it a go, what have you to loose?

Sean is correct about the potential for in-flight wheel vibration.  However, keep in mind that application of the brakes will not stop in-flight rotation of the NOSE wheel.  Also, it is possible for wheels to rotate (albeit at a slow RPM) in-flight due to aerodynamic forces as well as right after takeoff.

David HEAL wrote:

Sean is correct about the potential for in-flight wheel vibration.  However, keep in mind that application of the brakes will not stop in-flight rotation of the NOSE wheel.  Also, it is possible for wheels to rotate (albeit at a slow RPM) in-flight due to aerodynamic forces as well as right after takeoff.

Absolutely correct David - in my very limited experience,  the vibrations, from nose wheel rotations, can be reduced, even eliminated by carefully removing all "play" in the nose wheel. This may require simple tightening or take a bit more time to shim the bearing.

I have seen a sprung tab, rubbing on the tyre, as a sort of light duty "drag" device - personally I am not in favour.

Balancing the tires will help if it is caused by an out of balanced tire. I have never seen a balanced aircraft tire. I have always had to balance them. Some owners said their vibration went away when I did this. make sure the wheel pants are tight and don't wiggle around. make sure the front suspension is solid and can't move.

After changing the tires, I had vibrations after takeoff on an Evektor Sportstar and braking did not change the situation...So it was a problem on the front wheel.

After balancing the front wheel, the problem disappeared.

In fact, later I realized that I had to balance all three wheels!

Another pilot in my hangar had the problem of the nose wheel vibrating in flight, despite good balancing, we solved the problem by installing the flat part of a rectangular brush (with the handle cut off!) in the fairing wheel that just touches the tire to brake it during the flight, and since then the problem has been solved.

We didn't experience any take-off sluggishness with this light front wheel braking and brush wear is negligible.