Tailwheel lubrication

[rvpilot]

I'm finally back in the air, and, after about 10 hours, noticed the tailwheel kinda sticking when I tried to turn. What are you guys who've been flying awhile using to lub the shaft on the full swivel tail wheel. Does it require relubrication real often?
Thanks!
Barefoot Billy
Little over 10 hours on the -8

[dan]

The "sticking" thing is something I experience from time to time, and it's a good indicator of sorts that your tailwheel needs lubed.

FWIW, I use Aeroshell #5 grease on my tailwheel...both the wheel bearings and the pivot point.

If you taxi through puddles or rain, it tends to wash out what little grease there is in there. In dry weather it can go for much longer periods of time before needing attention.

Every once in a while, just give the zerk fitting a squirt and work the tailwheel around a few times. Should smooth it right out. I disassemble, completely clean, and regrease/reassemble my tailwheel about every 150 hours or so. For most people that's probably every annual condition inspection.

Also keep an eye on the little locking key. If you scroll to the very bottom of this page: http://www.rvproject.com/20050226.html you can see the issue I had with the key and how I lost tailwheel steering one day as a result. (Yes, I've since stripped & cleaned & painted the tailwheel spring & fork!)

)_( Dan
RV-7 N714D (585 hours)
http://www.rvproject.com