tail wheel spring loose

[Steve Barnes]

After about 500 hours my tail wheel spring bolts are creating bigger holes. Both the one bolt inside the fuselage, and the two bolts holding the tail wheel on. Has anyone had a similar problem and fixed it?

my first idea is to use oversize bolts, however it will weaken the spring.

second idea is to use a brazing process on tail wheel and use existing bolts for safety. concern is heat may weaken spring.
http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...s/mad.gif:mad:
third idea is clean and JB weld and use existing bolts for safety, (tailwheel only)

fourth idea is to use taper pins.

Any thoughts on this?

[JonJay]

I noticed this at about 150 hours but only on the two tail wheel bolts. Two local AP's conferred that some certified airplanes glue that joint. There suggestion was to dissassemble, clean, and JB Weld the bolt shafts to take up the space and keep them from working the hole further. I intend to do this soon and will report on if it is a permanent fix.

[Steve Barnes]

thanks JonJay, that idea is sounding better all the time. I'll still explore taper pins, but they may loosen too.

[Steve Sampson]

I think the Rocket community use taper pins. You might try to contact them.

[Little_Richard]

I would definitely NOT try brazing it. It will absolutely ruin the heat treatment.

I think the JB weld is probably the best solution to try first. It won't leave any permanent changes if it does not work.

The taper bolts would probably be a good solution also as they can be drawn tight with no clearance and no slop, but since the tailspring is harder than the socket it is mounted into and also the tailwheel weldment, those two pieces may deform again and you will be back in the same place you are now.

Just my thoughts on the subject...

[JonJay]

Originally Posted by Little_Richard

I would definitely NOT try brazing it. It will absolutely ruin the heat treatment.

I think the JB weld is probably the best solution to try first. It won't leave any permanent changes if it does not work.

The taper bolts would probably be a good solution also as they can be drawn tight with no clearance and no slop, but since the tailspring is harder than the socket it is mounted into and also the tailwheel weldment, those two pieces may deform again and you will be back in the same place you are now.

Just my thoughts on the subject...

It is actually the holes in the tailwheel spring that are wearing on mine. The socket and bolts are still in tolerance. That surprised me, but that is the way it is.

[rocketbob]

Originally Posted by Little_Richard

I would definitely NOT try brazing it. It will absolutely ruin the heat treatment.

I know of two tailwheels tig-welded on, combined they have over 2000 hours on them. Works fine.

[JonJay]

Well, it is conditional time and my tail wheel spring is out of the tail. Indeed, the main bolt of the spring has also worked allowing the spring to twist slightly side to side. No doubt, it will continue to work over time.
This must be a common problem.
Steve - did you ever affect a fix?

[Steve Barnes]

Haven't fixed yet, A machinist friend if mine suggested that we ream holes to tailwheel attachment, and press in roll pins. This remedy will not work inside fuselage, however. I think what I'll do there go with an interferrence fit bolt after I ream it out. He also suggested a metric bolt, because it may only be a small bit bigger. We haven't checked that out yet. Steve

[JonJay]

I am going the JB Weld route as recommended by a couple AP's. I will let you know how it works out.