Tail Wheel Rigging

codywelch · #1 12-03-2006, 05:34 PM

Have about 100 landings on my RV-6 (since acquiring via trade). Have kept the tail wheel (stock Van's) greased but seem to have had a failure. After latest greasing, the rudder arm steering no longer drives the tail wheel and the center detent isn't there. On last flight it wouldn't turn left, then it wouldn't turn right but would turn left. After disassembly it looks like the spring held ball is not sticking out very far. Have cleaned thoroughly and blown out with an air nozzle. Still no help. Am I sending $185 to Van's?
I don't have any service instruction nor description of the unit either.

Thanks for any thoughts!

Recent RV-6 Buyer

rvbuilder2002 · #2 12-03-2006, 06:05 PM

Verify that the arm part that the chains attach too is made of steel and not aluminum. Early ones were made of aluminum and the detent notch wears out. This could be the cause of your problem.

I believe they will replace the aluminum one at no charge.

n5lp · #3 12-03-2006, 06:35 PM

The pawl needs to move freely. I have had mine jam because of grit and because of wear causing a burr to develop. Figure out why it doesn't move freely and correct.

dan · #4 12-03-2006, 06:39 PM

Scroll all the way to the bottom of this page: http://www.rvproject.com/20050226.html

You can see the burr issue, which caused lost tailwheel steering on my RV-7 just as you described.

codywelch · #5 12-03-2006, 08:10 PM

Dan:

You nailed it. Thanks for the photo. My key is flush...