JonnoR said..
Hi there
I am just about to replace the bladder but unsure how to remove the main valve in the leading edge, and also the feed to the strut.
Any guidance much appreciated

If i recall correctly from an older nova (2023?) the main valve has a lip around it that attaches to the outer wall. As for the connecting tube, i believe there is a plastic cap you open up and then just pull the hose off a barbed fitting.


Just pay attention during the removal of the old bladder. Doesnt really matter if you damage it any further as you're replacing it anyway.

You unscrew the leading edge valve and take that away. The remaining valve on the bladder is held in place with velcro. Just push it in.

The strut valves are held in place with a two piece plastic collar. Insert the tip of a flat blade screw driver into the join and give it a little lever and it will pop off.

Pull the hose off the valve then push the end of the valve inside. There's a groove in the valve holding it onto the fabric.

When you put it back together you need to seat the fabric back into the groove. You do that by putting a loop of string line around the strut valve and pull on that with a circular motion while pressing the fabric down around the base of the valve.

This video shows that at the 4 min mark. The valves in the video are the same as North, but the strut collars are different.

Search for kite bladder replacement videos for anything you need to know. Look for videos with bits and pieces that are similar to your wing.



This video shows popping the strut clip off at 1:20

-xBrOjO5mK5npUnd

Be careful not to pinch the bladder fabric when re-seating the valves. It just takes a little bit of patience to push the fabric down.

The strut bladders have a couple of strings to anchor the bladder at the top. You need to run some strings to pull the ends of the bladder into place and be sure the strings and bladder aren't twisted.

If I remember correctly I put my hand inside the strut and ran my fingers down the lines to the tip of the strut. Do whatever makes sense to you. You then fold the tip ends of the bladder so it will fit into the strut fabric. If the lines are straight then once you get it started it'll go easily.