RV-6 wheel alignment

Cuatro · #1 06-17-2011, 09:50 PM

my RV6 has both mains in the toe out position. the eat tires on the inside edge of the tire.

What is the best method to correct this?

Doug · #2 06-18-2011, 05:57 AM

I'll be interested in the responses to this question.

Every RV-6 I look at seems to differ in this angle. One theory I have is that it relates to empty weight. My RV-6 at 1025 lbs wears the outside of the tyres, where as my hanger mate's RV-6 at 1150 lbs sits with the wheels nearly vertical.

What is the weight of your RV-6?

Doug Gray

Kyle Boatright · #3 06-18-2011, 06:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug

I'll be interested in the responses to this question.

Every RV-6 I look at seems to differ in this angle. One theory I have is that it relates to empty weight. My RV-6 at 1025 lbs wears the outside of the tyres, where as my hanger mate's RV-6 at 1150 lbs sits with the wheels nearly vertical.

What is the weight of your RV-6?

Doug Gray

Mine is the same way at 1030 lbs...

I dunno how to fix the issue. I just rotate the tires occasionally.

Cuatro · #4 06-18-2011, 02:19 PM

My weight? dont know, bought a finished 6 that had been taken apart for paint. It had 197 hours on it. I did the paint, got it back in one piece, new garmin panel. Much more work than i thought.

Now my tires ware bad, i was doing my tailwheel and training in it putting lots of stress on the wheels. Got a new set of monster retreads on last night and fly today. All worked well but the wind was 16 gusting 25. easy for a veteran, not as as smooth with a new rv pilot and new to tail wheel. But made it work. I do need to fix them sooner or later.

Any ideas would be great.

shamer · #5 06-18-2011, 08:43 PM

Weigh your airplane and complete the weight and balance calculations. Your uneven tire wear is small stuff.

Mel · #6 06-18-2011, 09:00 PM

I believe that weight & balance calculations are required to legally fly an airplane.
Very difficult to accomplish without knowing the weight of the aircraft.

f1rocket · #7 06-20-2011, 05:17 AM

Axle shims are available from Van's which will help some. The key to fixing the problem is to get accurate measurements. Best way I know is to fill the tanks with 1/2 fuel and simulate the pilot's weight with sand bags. Measure in a three point stance on grease plates and be prepared to be surprised at how much the leg swings the tire around! Get it as close to zero as you can for the best handling.

Due to the nature of the gear leg design, the toe is going to change with weight and stance.

fl-mike · #8 06-20-2011, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f1rocket

Axle shims are available from Van's ...

For a 6? (tapered rod gear)

f1rocket · #9 06-20-2011, 11:18 AM

Yep. I used them on my -6. I can't remember if they are -8 or -4 parts. (I think)

Okay, now you've got me thinking. I can't seem to picture in my mind how the axle attaches to the gear leg on the -6. That was fifteen years ago so my memory is a little clouded. I might have gotten the shims from Grove come to think of it.

luddite42 · #10 06-20-2011, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f1rocket

I can't seem to picture in my mind how the axle attaches to the gear leg on the -6.

It's not attached per se, it's a single piece of rod that's bent. Nothing to shim. You'd have to either change the angle of the gear inside the engine mount socket, or somehow bend the axle back. Seems like a tall task trying to bend it back. Probably better off filling in the holes in the engine mount socket and re-drilling, assuming you have a good way to match drill to the holes in the gear legs.