Long bolt trick for rudder pedals

[comfortcat]

Greetings!

I almost NEVER go off-plans for anything. I'm a systems analyst, not an engineer. BUT after looking at the VAF postings about rudder pedals, I thought I would have a look.

First, spending $50 on four bolts to solve a problem that may not be a problem at all seemed pretty excessive to me.

I saw guys buying steel, aluminum and brass rod, taping it, and bolting it into place as an alternative to bolts but I also saw that as a little excessive.

So, I bought a bit of 3/16" brass rod, cut to size and drilled it for a cotter key. Here is the result.

Can anyone think of ANY reason why the shaft would need to have a nut? (by th way, i used s 5/64 drill to do the hole)

Thanx!

[Mike S]

My opinion---------looks like it should work fine, it achieves the same effect of using a long bolt, that being getting the pivot axis in line.

My only concern is in a hard braking situation, you are going to put a lot of sheering force on a piece of brass instead of steel.

[DanH]

David,
Off topic observation....all parts get filed or sanded smooth, with rounded edges. It is a metal fatigue issue as well as pride of craftsmanship thing.

[az_gila]

Originally Posted by Mike S

My opinion---------looks like it should work fine, it achieves the same effect of using a long bolt, that being getting the pivot axis in line.

My only concern is in a hard braking situation, you are going to put a lot of sheering force on a piece of brass instead of steel.

The shear force is way higher than 500 lbs. so should not be a problem...

Wear from the brass rotating inside the steel tab might be a problem though.

[szicree]

I seem to recall that brass and aluminum don't get along well, but I could certainly have it wrong. Engineers, what say you?

[gereed75]

But I used a length of all thread, appropriately sized, from Home depot aviation stores, stop nutted appropriately.

Maybe not the most craftsman like, but effective, simple and cheap.

PS - I think the brass is fine.

[gasman]

Originally Posted by ;559292

But I used a length of all thread, Maybe not the most craftsman like, but effective, simple and cheap.

PS - I think the brass is fine.

Read post three.................

[GAHco]

What you have done appears to have been done carefully and with skill. They look great! I can not condone or condemn your efforts from a structural basis. That would be up to a materials engineer to run the numbers and perform physical fatigue tests.

My son is starting his 3 year at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and guess what his Major is? Mmmm Materials engineer and and considered a senior already because of all the grades and credits that he has.

He had a great time analyzing the grain structure of some of the bolts from our business.

He wont be back in school until September and unless you are ready to fly that would timely enough to get some results, just for fun.

Just let us know if that interests you. Of course I must ask him first.

[comfortcat]

Since this is on the rudder support, it is steel and brass. No aluminum here.

Thanx for the feedback! I love this site!

Originally Posted by szicree

I seem to recall that brass and aluminum don't get along well, but I could certainly have it wrong. Engineers, what say you?

[szicree]

Originally Posted by comfortcat

Since this is on the rudder support, it is steel and brass. No aluminum here.

Um,...what are those angles riveted to the pedals made of?