Good Luck trying to get that gear repaired. I had all the issues you mentioned plus the wing struts had ca finger prints and drips all over them. I also had a wheel pant mount broke. This must be a problem because I was quickly a rudely informed by Sandy of DPM that it woud not be replaced that I could fix it myself or send it in to have it glued by Dave. Pretty shotty for a $600.00 kit. I will never by another DPM airpplane. I also had Landing gear painted over rust and paint chipping off. The more you assemble on the gear the more the paint flakes off. Good Luck.-J