[mgomez]

Hi,

I just finished the elevator linkage. I think I may have some binding in the elevator hinges, because the force at the stick seems high. The airplane is sitting still in my shop...no aero loads.

I pulled at the top of the stock stick (haven't cut it yet) with a fish scale. The elevator starts moving at 2 lbs, and it takes about 1.5 lbs to keep it moving.

Is this roughly what you folks have seen? Or it is -- as I suspect -- too high and indicative of binding somewhere?

Thanks,
Martin

 

[robertahegy]

With them all counterbalanced and properly set up, you should feel virtually no resistance in the elevators or the ailerons.

Roberta

 

[mgomez]

Darn...that's what I was afraid of. Thanks, Roberta.

Martin

 

[penguin]

You may have not enough washers in the center bearing. It is important that when the bolt on the center elevator bearing is tightened up that it does not (at all) squeeze the elevators together. If it does the elevator forces will be heavy or will not move freely. Don't ask me how I know. It is difficult to get the washers in, super gluing them together can help.

Pete