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Replacing Tailwheel Mount (WD-101)

dan

Well Known Member
After many years and a couple thousand hours of service, my RV-7's tailwheel mount is done-for. The Oilite bushing has worn and it's time for a replacement. I was told by Van's that the bushing can't be replaced since it's shrunk into place during manufacture.

I have two questions:

1. Has anybody used the Screaming Eagle version with the plastic bushing?

http://www.flyboyaccessories.com/Screaming-Eagle-Mounting-Socket-p/1103.htm

It's $46 compared to $74 for the stock one from Van's. I'm trying to get my head wrapped around plastic vs. bronze. I must agree that the zerk fitting on the stock design is all but totally useless, but what unknowns am I taking on by switching to a subtly different design? Anybody got significant hours on the plastic one and want to comment?

2. What's the best/easiest/hardest-to-eff-up method for match-drilling the replacement? I found this thread, but the image is a big ol' 404:

http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=28339

I mean, I can picture clamping a drill block to the spring and all that, but my imagination is so amateur. Could use clarity from the pros...

Thanks in advance!
 
Bushing Replacement

After many years and a couple thousand hours of service, my RV-7's tailwheel mount is done-for. The Oilite bushing has worn and it's time for a replacement. I was told by Van's that the bushing can't be replaced since it's shrunk into place during manufacture.

I have two questions:

1. Has anybody used the Screaming Eagle version with the plastic bushing?

http://www.flyboyaccessories.com/Screaming-Eagle-Mounting-Socket-p/1103.htm

It's $46 compared to $74 for the stock one from Van's. I'm trying to get my head wrapped around plastic vs. bronze. I must agree that the zerk fitting on the stock design is all but totally useless, but what unknowns am I taking on by switching to a subtly different design? Anybody got significant hours on the plastic one and want to comment?

2. What's the best/easiest/hardest-to-eff-up method for match-drilling the replacement? I found this thread, but the image is a big ol' 404:

http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=28339

I mean, I can picture clamping a drill block to the spring and all that, but my imagination is so amateur. Could use clarity from the pros...

Thanks in advance!

Dan,

You might check out this thread, if you haven't found it already:

http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=114209&highlight=tailwheel+bushing

Skylor
 
Dan,

Kahuna had a couple thousand hours on his RV-8 tailwheel when he decided to replace it. Interestingly, in addition to the bushing wear, the tailwheel shaft itself had very noticeable wear on it too. Take a look at yours. Use a dial caliper if needed. Kahuna's tailwheel shaft was noticeably narrower at the top and bottom of the shaft, as you might expect if you consider the loading. The bushing will likely have similar wear.

We have been using the plastic bushing since 2006. To my knowledge only one person has had a problem, when one of the edges chipped near the pin groove.

We have several of my local RV buddies flying them with no known issues.

However, you can replace the bronze bushings. Getting them out is rather interesting due to the unusual construction of the Van's socket. Get a hammer and a chisel, Dremel tool, or dynamite ready!

One of the reasons we like the plastic bushing (which are more expensive) is that they are easily replaced with general hand tools. A vise and a Dremel tool will do the job.

If you have questions, please drop me an email. [email protected]
 
Thanks @vfrazier. I ordered one while everybody (but me) was up at OSH.

Does anybody have pics of that drill jig? I can't seem to find it.
 
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