If corrosion is detected inside the interior strands of a cable, what should you do?

If corrosion is detected inside the interior strands of a cable, what should you do?

• A. Clean interior with a dry rag.
• B. Replace the cable.
• C. Splice new strands.
• D. Continue service and monitor.

Answer: (B)

Corrosion inside the interior strands means the cable’s internal structure is compromised and its tensile strength is reduced. A wire rope carries load through all of its strands working together; if some strands are corroded, the remaining strands can’t reliably carry the intended force, and the problem isn’t fixable by cleaning or superficial repairs. Since the damage isn’t observable from the outside and can hide remaining strength losses, replacing the entire cable is the only safe and compliant remedy for a primary control cable. Cleaning the interior won’t restore strength, and splicing new strands creates a weak point and isn’t an approved repair for critical control cables. Continuing to use the cable and monitoring risk sudden failure, which is unacceptable in flight-critical systems. Replace the cable to restore the required reliability and safety.

Corrosion inside the interior strands means the cable’s internal structure is compromised and its tensile strength is reduced. A wire rope carries load through all of its strands working together; if some strands are corroded, the remaining strands can’t reliably carry the intended force, and the problem isn’t fixable by cleaning or superficial repairs. Since the damage isn’t observable from the outside and can hide remaining strength losses, replacing the entire cable is the only safe and compliant remedy for a primary control cable.

Cleaning the interior won’t restore strength, and splicing new strands creates a weak point and isn’t an approved repair for critical control cables. Continuing to use the cable and monitoring risk sudden failure, which is unacceptable in flight-critical systems. Replace the cable to restore the required reliability and safety.