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-   -   Aileron Bellcrank Grease (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=168527)

Mudfly 02-06-2019 06:40 AM

Aileron Bellcrank Grease
 
I'm ready to install the aileron bellcranks in the wings (RV14). Not sure about other models, but the bellcrank design for -14 has a brass bushing that is inserted into the steel housing of the bellcrank. The assembly is placed in position and secured using a AN4-32A. When the bolt is properly torqued, the bolt and brass bushing are to remain stationary with the rotation occurring between the bushing and the steel bellcrank. There is no mention in the plans of lubricating this rotation point, but I was thinking it may be a good idea. My question is what would be the better lubrication. LPS-2 and Lubriplate 630-AA are two products that I'm considering. It seems both may have pros and cons.
The pros for the Lubriplate would seem to be longer lasting. However, the con would be when it is time to replace, the bellcrank assembly would need to be disassembled. Also, will this lubriplate break down during the heat of the summer and drip out the bottom? That's what happens to grease in my grease guns out in the garage during summer. The pro for the LPS-2 would seem that when time to re-lube, it would just require opening the access panel on the bottom wing skin and applying fresh lube using a flexible tube. The con for LPS-2 would seem that it would need to be re-applied at shorter intervals.
I realize I'm overthinking this, but was just curious what others have used, and actual lubrication requirements for this part once in service.

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PilotjohnS 02-06-2019 07:24 AM

Check plans
 
The plans should say to use grease duringg assembly. I used Modil 1 synthetic wheel bearing grease from autozone.

BillL 02-06-2019 03:16 PM

Just a thought . . . .
 
I made a bell crank for a different function and drilled a hole in the center of the tube with a deep chamfer so a small grease gun could be used to inject some lube. One would need some path for it to flow internally though.

rightrudder 02-06-2019 07:26 PM

I used some quality wheel bearing grease as well.

N804RV 02-06-2019 08:38 PM

I tumbled the brass bushings for my bellcranks in a vibratory tumbler. I also ran a little 400 grit sand paper through the bellcrank and deburred the ends. Then, I assembled with just a little bit of Aeroshell 22 on the outside of the bushing.

rvbuilder2002 02-06-2019 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PilotjohnS (Post 1322646)
The plans should say to use grease duringg assembly. I used Modil 1 synthetic wheel bearing grease from autozone.

The plans purposely don't say to use grease because you would have to disassemble it every year to re-lubricate it.

The oldest of Van's demonstrators with this style bellcrank are 20+ years old. They have all been maintained by regularly lubricating with LPS2 at each yearly condition (or 100 hr if that comes first.... the certification on all the demonstrators requires an inspection every 100 hrs if it is flown more than 100 per year) inspection.

None of the parts have ever been replaced and there is no appreciable wear so far.

lr172 02-06-2019 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rvbuilder2002 (Post 1322845)
The plans purposely don't say to use grease because you would have to disassemble it every year to re-lubricate it.

The oldest of Van's demonstrators with this style bellcrank are 20+ years old. They have all been maintained by regularly lubricating with LPS2 at each yearly condition (or 100 hr if that comes first.... the certification on all the demonstrators requires an inspection every 100 hrs if it is flown more than 100 per year) inspection.

None of the parts have ever been replaced and there is no appreciable wear so far.

I am curious what the recommendation is for the steel bushings on the front gear leg.

Larry

Mudfly 02-07-2019 06:20 AM

Thanks
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by rvbuilder2002 (Post 1322845)
The plans purposely don't say to use grease because you would have to disassemble it every year to re-lubricate it.

The oldest of Van's demonstrators with this style bellcrank are 20+ years old. They have all been maintained by regularly lubricating with LPS2 at each yearly condition (or 100 hr if that comes first.... the certification on all the demonstrators requires an inspection every 100 hrs if it is flown more than 100 per year) inspection.

None of the parts have ever been replaced and there is no appreciable wear so far.

Thanks Scott. I'll go with the LPS2 and add to my yearly condition inspection checklist to re-lubricate.

1001001 05-21-2019 06:15 PM

Glad to have found this thread! I was wondering about lubricating these during installation too. Has anyone else polished the inside of the bellcrank and the brass bushing as noted below? I think the tumbler idea is a good one. Maybe just a little bit of fine grit sandpaper on a dowel rod for the bellcrank as well. Then lube with LPS-2 as Scott says...

Quote:

Originally Posted by N804RV (Post 1322819)
I tumbled the brass bushings for my bellcranks in a vibratory tumbler. I also ran a little 400 grit sand paper through the bellcrank and deburred the ends. ...


Jake14 05-21-2019 06:40 PM

here's an interesting thread on the bellcrank mounting and a modification suggestion which several builders incorporated...

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...d.php?t=119821


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