B737-700 flight crew reported nose gear tire damage after takeoff.
Synopsis
B737-700 flight crew reported nose gear tire damage after takeoff.
Narrative
Upon takeoff in ZZZ on Runway XXR; we started to feel a shimmy in the nose wheel assembly at approximately 60 kts. The shimmy progressively got worse and a few seconds prior to rotation we heard a single knock. We lifted off normally and retracted the landing gear. The retraction was slightly louder and the spin down of the nose wheel was longer than normal. Eventually the noise ceased when the wheel rotation stopped. The climb and cruise was normal. About halfway through our flight to ZZZ1; we were told by ZZZ Center that the Tower in ZZZ reported they found tire debris on the runway after our departure. We discussed the situation with each other and based on the events from take-off we felt we probably had damage to the tire. We discussed our options and reviewed our manual; which had guidance for failed tire on take-off and landing with a flat tire. We both agreed our safest option was to divert to ZZZ2.It provided us with a longer runway option as well as maintenance and operations availability. We notified ATC and [requested priority handling] with a diversion to ZZZ2. We then notified Dispatch; the Flight Attendants; and passengers. We reviewed the landing procedures in the manual and briefed the landing. The landing was normal and we were able to maintain directional control. We stopped on the runway and vehicles approached to inspect the damage. They said the left nose wheel was missing the outer tread but was still inflated. The right nose wheel had no damage. We agreed we could taxi to the gate safely. Maintenance met us at the gate and the aircraft was taken out of service. We were given a new aircraft and we completed the flight to ZZZ1 2 hours delayed. No injuries occurred on the flight.
Second reporter narrative
When we landed in ZZZ we noticed a significant shimmy in the nose wheel. We asked Maintenance to meet the aircraft at the gate. When they arrived to the flight deck; the Mechanic told us that there was nothing wrong with the gear; but that it was low on grease. The Mechanic told us that he was adding more grease to the assembly; and that that should fix the shimmy. I asked if I should put a write-up in the logbook; and the Mechanic told me that I didn't need to; since nothing was broken on the nose wheel assembly. I followed this guidance; but I now feel that this was the incorrect course of action. In the future; I will put every mechanical discrepancy in the logbook; no matter how minor it seems; or what guidance I receive from the Mechanic.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.