TM-9-2350-277-20-5

TM 9-2350-277-20-5

INSPECT RAMP WIRE ROPE (CABLE) — Continued

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Bends/bowing (14) – indicates loss of cable tensile strength or structural ability to rebound, where the cable

conforms to the shape it is in most frequent contact with (i.e., pulleys). Over an extended period of time, without

required maintenance/replacement, additional characteristics are likely to appear at the bend or along the bowing

arc, such as unraveling, separation, and /or flat spots.

Flat spots (15) – indicates the cable is being rubbed against a fixed object or pulled/forced through malfunctioning

(frozen) pulleys. Flat spots are frequently characterized with a shiny surface along the flat area.

Frayed/broken strands (16) – indicatse loss of wire strand tensile strength and that the safety level of the ramp wire

rope (cable) has been exceeded for a long period of operational time.

Corrosion (17) – indicates the ramp wire rope (cable) has not been properly maintained or the cable has been

subjected to caustic-type elements without required PMCS being performed after contact. Corrosion (or rust, as

one form) is a regenerative event that can be started by any agent (as simple as water). The agent first creates a

chemical reaction with the galvanized coating of the wire rope or is directly introduced into the metal wire through

surface dings, cuts, gouges, and other surface damage to the cable. When left un-checked, the chemical reaction

then begins to eat away at the metal wire, itself. This chemical action further spreads to and penetrates the other

adjacent wire strands, accelerating and intensifying metallurgical deterioration which finally defeats the tensile

strength and integrity of the ramp cable. Inspect for rust, white crystalline coating, and other forms of corrosion

residue which are the by-products of wire rope (cable) erosion.

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