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Brake pedal question
I've just bolted the rudder pedal assembly into the fuselage tub so it seemed like a good occasion to sit in the `plane' for the first time, survey the landscape of the workshop from the `cockpit' while cruising at benchtop height and zero knots, and practice my prototype Van's grin. I'm pleased to report that all went well ;).
However, I find that the brake pedals (WD1209) prevent my feet from touching the rudder pedals cleanly. In other words, I can't seem to avoid hitting the brake pedal before touching the rudder pedal, at least not with my feet held reasonably upright. Maybe a flat footed position would work, but it's not particularly comfortable. Now, maybe I have unusually clumsy or large feet (although I don't think so), and I admit that the tops of my brake pedals are about 5/16" further aft than the plans would like (don't ask :( ), but even so, I'm surprised at the apparent interference. My questions are: 1. Is this normal and is it a problem? Do the brake pedals get adjusted later (haven't been able to find it in the plans if they do). 2. Should I replace my current WD1209's with new ones, drilled to match the plans so they don't lean aft by 5/16". Even so, my feet would still hit the brakes before the rudders, judging by the current setup. 3. What would happen if I brought the rudder pedals forward by about an inch. That would probably suit the length of my legs better and also position the tops of the brake pedal where they should be in relation to the front of the rudder pads. (ie. make the rudder stop 13-3/8" long rather than 14-3/8" as per the plans). However, I'm concerned that doing this may adversly affect the rigging or rudder travel. Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated, especially if they are confined to technical matters rather than comments on physique or other personal attributes. :) |
One option
One slick fix for the aft brake pedal angle, or "tilt", is to buy GROVE master cylinders that have adjustable length shafts on them. That way you have complete control of how the brake pedal sets in relation to the rudder pedal bar on the bottom, even after installation......
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One option
One slick fix for the aft brake pedal angle, or "tilt", is to buy GROVE master cylinders that have adjustable length shafts on them. That way you have complete control of how the brake pedal sets in relation to the rudder pedal bar on the bottom, even after installation......
http://groveaircraft.com/mcpush.html Notice that each shaft has a threaded portion on the end, which allows the adjustment. Not affiliated with Grove, just a happy customer. A shorter or longer link from the rudder pedal tab to the rudder cable will not alter the rigging, other than to move the bottom of the pedals aft or forward. Just make sure you still have full rudder throw both ways. |
rgmwa,
1. It could be a problem if you can not apply full rudder without braking. No, there is no adjustment later. 2. Replacing the current WD1209's with new ones, properly drilled, will help. They only cost a fraction of 1 AMU (Aviation Monetary Unit). :D 3. Do NOT change the rudder rigging. Others have installed thicker homemade PEDAL BLOCKS successfully. Joe Gores |
Tilt
I think my pedals are installed correctly. And I still find I have to consciously bend my ankles back on take off to prevent touching the brakes. Not really noticeable until the plane is light on the tyres just prior to liftoff at which point I can get a vibration - which I guess is actually the tyre skidding on the tarmac. Only lasts a second but is irritating.
Cheers...Keith |
I ordered shorter rudder cables from Spruce. Worked great but I don,t want to give length as I don't want to be responsible.
Ron Russ RV12 Viking |
It all depends on you!
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Take a dermal tool and route out the hole you have already drilled in the brake petal to an oval. Make it a little longer each time until you have the perfect fit for you. What you are doing is turning the hole into a slot. Then put the bolt back in and try it, repeat until the perfect fit is achieved and you don't hit the fire wall when brake is fully engaged. Don't route the hole in part WD1211. After all done then transfer this new hole location to the new pedals. You will be able to do all this with the rudder petals installed. Any questions email me. Good luck. |
Thanks all ...
Thanks for the replies everybody. Very helpful as always.
Keith and John / Glad to hear it's not just my imagination, and that you have both experienced some issues with brake pedal clearance. I guess there must be others out there as well. John, my comment on moving the rudder pedals forward may have been misleading. I should have said aft, which would provide more clearance to the firewall (as Ron (Avenger V) did by using shorter rudder cables). Thanks for those numbers too. I was wondering how much pedal movement would be needed to activate the brakes. Anyway, I plan to order some new brake pedals because I'm not happy with their current position, which is slightly too far aft anyway. I will have the Flightline interior installed, and as I don't want to keep tripping over the brakes, I'll do a little experimenting with the final brake pedal setup. Joe / I'm always wary of deviating from the plans unless I'm sure I understand all the implications, so I'll probably leave the rudder pedals in their intended position, although it would be easy to use shorter links on the cable (or perhaps drill a series of holes in them to allow for some adjustment) in order to move the pedals aft a little more. PC Hunt / Good suggestion but I've got the Matcos now, so I'll spend the money on new brake pedals instead. |
I was surprised nobody had mentioned this earlier, I know of several who have done this with good results as far as I know. Would seem to be far easier than stringing shorter cables or fitting new pedals. Comments anyone?.
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Was flying this morning, remembered - -
![]() ![]() Went flying this morning. Remembered to take these pictures for reference. I am 6' tall, and have the seat back far as it will go. I have both provided cushions in seat. The brake pedal position works very good for me. John Bender 368.4 hours |
Imagine this scenario!
John that looks good for you but imagine your heels resting 2 inches higher and then extending your leg all the way to the firewall and your toe would naturally move forward of your heel. Flightline interior carpet would lift your heel up to this height.;)
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OK Bender, you holding out on us? What is running horizontal along the sidewall?
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Apparently - you have not been paying close attention - - -
That is my "HEATER DAMPER DOOR" control. Go back thru the search if interested. Yesterday it was 27F in Iowa, and the heater works great. Nice of you to notice ! !
John Bender 368.4 hours |
Jetguy - -
My Home Depot indoor/outdoor carpet is only maybe 1/4" thick. Ain't my problem man ! ! !
John Bender |
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https://picasaweb.google.com/marty.s...eat=directlink Also photos of the Thermostatis oil thermostat and the Reiff preheater. |
cheap carpet
Be wary John. I did the same, bought some cheap synthetic carpet, cut it to fit and it looked great. Got to thinking about fire safety so I cut a sliver off the edge of some scrap, hung it on a wire and lit it. A tiny flame became an 8 inch torch in seconds, with drips of burning molten plastic falling to the ground.
Out went the carpet. I cut the supplied wing walk adhesive material into 4 strips and fixed it to the painted metal floor. I think it looks fine (echos the foot pads up a level) and is easy to clean. Rod |
Good point Rod - -
Have some left over to trial burn. Maybe a thin rubber mat of sorts might be less flammable.
John Bender |
Question..
Would anyone be able to tell me how much gap there is between the back of the rudder pedal and the firewall when the rudder is fully deflected?
Thanks in advance. |
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