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09-30-2012, 08:02 AM
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Central Point, OR
Posts: 53
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Tail Wheel Cable Tension?
Is there a recommended tension for the tail wheel cables? I bought a flying RV-8 2 years ago and have put about 160 hours on it so far. I recently replaced the stock Vans tail wheel with an Aviation Products dual fork model. The question of cable tension came up. How much slack, if any, should there be? Originally there was quite a bit, requiring a couple of inches of pedal travel before applying any force on the tail wheel steering horns. Now I have taken a couple of links out such there there is a small amount of tension on the springs on both sides. Taxiing seems to be a bit more precise and I am really happy with the change but I am wondering if I am doing any long term harm to the rudder horns or the tail wheel?
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Randy Erwin - Proud owner of
RV-8 N9301T Built by Jeff Tompkins
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09-30-2012, 08:59 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 976
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Hi Randy...
I doubt any tension / slack would cause "harm". it is really down to personal preference - some prefer slack, some want them taut.
I was passed a tip, and now pass that on, say when test flying someone's RV, that a good starting point is with the tailwheel straight, you can move the rudder approx half the rudder horns width each way. I find that about right for me... am sure others will disagree 
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09-30-2012, 03:36 PM
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Colorado
Posts: 227
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Check to make sure the rudder deflection is not hampered by the limitations of a tight chain. On my RV-4 my chains/spring is loose enough to allow for maximum slip and a 180 on the ground when taxiing.
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Build 'em light, keep it simple
I'd rather fly than tinker.
"There's a big difference between a pilot and an aviator. One is a technician, the other is an artist in love with flight."
- Elrey B. Jeppesen,
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10-02-2012, 01:50 AM
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Central Point, OR
Posts: 53
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Thanks for the replies fellas. I'm pretty sure that there is no restriction on the rudder movement by the chains while in flight, however the tail wheel will be moving with the rudder. On the ground it feels like I have much more positive control of the direction I am going - or want to go. I can definitely feel the spring tension in the pedals now and the slightest pressure results in a change in direction. I guess the real test will come when I am faced with that unexpected cross wind landing at an unfamiliar airport. I'll let y'all know how it turns out. 
__________________
Randy Erwin - Proud owner of
RV-8 N9301T Built by Jeff Tompkins
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10-02-2012, 02:19 AM
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Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Ashland, OR
Posts: 2,574
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caution on taught cables
Remember that when the tail is on the ground, the tailwheel spring is deflected some, and tends to add some slack to the cables/chains. In flight, the cables or chains will be tighter.
It is best to jack up the tail so the tailwheel is off the ground, and make sure that there is not any significant tension in the chains, or it will put a lot of load on the lower rudder hinge pivot and wear it out.
Set it up with the tailwheel off the ground, and just a very slight amount of slack. Then, with the tailwheel on the ground, there will be some slack. Some pilots like more slack than this, but you should not have less.
A single steering link avoids this problem of course. (But instead, the tail wheel is probably turned slightly in flight, with a very slight drag increase - doubt that is measurable)
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Steve Smith
Aeronautical Engineer
RV-8 N825RV
IO-360 A1A
WW 200RV
"The Magic Carpet"
Hobbs 625
LS6-15/18W sailplane SOLD
bought my old LS6-A back!! 
VAF donation Jan 2020
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10-02-2012, 03:59 AM
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Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Ohio
Posts: 1,686
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Timely post.
I been running mine tight and I'm thinking about loosening them a little.
Based on this post, I'll try some of the suggestions listed.
Thanks guys for reading my mind again!
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10-08-2012, 12:23 PM
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Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Lewistown
Posts: 161
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some like it taught some like it not
my Dr. Seuss for the day
truism et all!!!!
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Noel Simmons (repeat builder) just ordered my 40th it's an 8!
406-538-6574
A&P CFI EAA Tech/EAA flight adviser
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08-05-2013, 07:20 PM
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Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Ohio
Posts: 1,686
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Quote:
Originally Posted by panhandler1956
Timely post.
I been running mine tight and I'm thinking about loosening them a little.
Based on this post, I'll try some of the suggestions listed.
Thanks guys for reading my mind again!
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After less than 100 hrs on the hobbs, but lots of landings, my chains went from tight to loose. I guess that chain can stretch pretty easy. I had a larger back seater in yesterday and landed 3pt, tailwheel slightly first and it shimmy'd a little and then didn't steer great on rollout - had to get into the brakes to hold it straight with a 10kt direct crosswind. Also, the stupid chain clip got turned around on one side as it's prone to do so that might have been the issue.
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