Maule Door latches

[wredick]

I saw a newer maule with different door latches than mine, (M7 260, 2003) I was wondering if an upgrade would be feasible? The newer latches look much better, and I assume work much better. Ideas?
Thanks,
Bill Redick

[Chris in Milwaukee]

Yes, there is a kit for it. About $400 per door. Should be on the parts DVD if you have it. Not at home, so sadly don’t have a part number for you. Maule parts can hook you up, though.

[galtpilot]

I installed the new latches on my 1975 M5 at my wife's request. They do work much easier and she is now a happy camper. They were relatively easy to do although a little pricey. The outer latch stays the same but the inner latch works very nicely.

[captnkirk]

same here the wife loves it the kids can open the door and it's not a hard job. I did mine and the latches only took a couple of hours each.

[Mountain Doctor]

The old style latches such as I have on my 2002 really are cheeseball and a PIA for passengers but they will have to deal with it for $800 plus 4 hours shop time!

[Andy Young]

I still have the old-style latches. I use my plane commercially, and don’t find that my passengers have trouble with them. I have personally found that the key is in how I explain them. A quick demonstration goes a long way too. The other big thing is to be sure that the latches are correctly adjusted and lubed. They should work easily and smoothly. If they don’t, something is wrong, and people will struggle much more.

I’m sure the new latches are much nicer, and more intuitive. For me personally, they are not $800 better.

[maules.com]

Luberication in the bolt and barrel makes the door fasteners work correctly.
Not WD40 which gums them up. Lithium grease or LPS 2 or basic engine oil all work.
Correct adjustment and bolts that are not worn out on the chamfer pointed end(there are two different lengths) is also important.

[Jerry412]

What year did Maule start fitting the new latches on their windows

[DavZeeMXT]

I’ve just disassembled my 1997 MXT door latches, cleaned and lubed like Jeremy suggested and they work soooo much better.
Putting the cover panels back on, the bent wire clips don’t work so well.
Any suggestions for replacement or improvements on the wire clips that hold the door panels?

[andy]

Maule Flight put the new style door and window latches and gas window struts on when they rebuilt my MX-7-180 in 2010. I like the new latches a lot better and my Part 91.147 air tour passengers had no trouble using them. The old style door latches worked well when lubricated but sometimes they would be difficult to move from the locked position.

[pheastman3]

I have old style latches. lubricating is easy, but how are they adjusted? the know has a threated screw and a 1/4" sleave...not sure of its purpose. Can anyone help.

[pheastman3]

I have old style latches. lubricating is easy, but how are they adjusted? the know has a threated screw and a 1/4" sleave...not sure of its purpose. Can anyone help.

[Kirk]

The Maintenance Manual has detailed information on adjustment.
Available for download at mauleairinc.com
Found under the support tab.

[Kirk]

The Maintenance Manual has detailed information on adjustment.
Available for download at mauleairinc.com
Found under the support tab.

[Kirk]

The Maintenance Manual has detailed information on adjustment.
Available for download at mauleairinc.com
Found under the support tab.