vfrazier
Well Known Member
From the front page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vans-Aircraft-Inc/121827541221519
I didn't see any place to comment on this topic. If there is another thread, I hope the moderators will add this info to it.
Ken describes a problem that will eventually occur to anyone using a stock Van's tailwheel. Sooner or later, the bronze bushing will wear out. The stock Van's bushing can be a real bear to remove due to the somewhat puzzling construction that places a small flange along the top of the bushing. The flange prevents the bushing from being easily pressed out. It can be done, but you're unlikely to do it in the field.
We make a $46 replacement housing that uses a different type of bushing. We use an Igus engineering plastic bushing. They're a bit more expensive but are a dream to work with, durable, and 100% field replaceable in about 20 minutes using a few simple tools, C-clamp, and Dremel tool (to cut a new pin groove).
If you're struggling with this problem, feel free to contact us.
Alternately, consider contacting JDAir for one of their bearing housings. I have no direct experience with this part, but it certainly looks like a nicely made unit, although more expensive.
Regardless, of whose parts you're using, please remember that the locking pin to control arm interface (the little notch in the steering arm) will absolutely require periodic cleaning and greasing. There is no way out of it. It must be done or your parts will wear, gum up, and you will lose your tailwheel steering.
Conclusion: Regardless of whose hardware is hanging off of your tail, do yourself a favor and clean and grease it often. Regularly taking 10 minutes for cleaning and greasing will go a LONG way towards never having a difficult replacement job like Ken described. The replacement job is easily a day's worth of work for most guys.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vans-Aircraft-Inc/121827541221519
I didn't see any place to comment on this topic. If there is another thread, I hope the moderators will add this info to it.
Ken describes a problem that will eventually occur to anyone using a stock Van's tailwheel. Sooner or later, the bronze bushing will wear out. The stock Van's bushing can be a real bear to remove due to the somewhat puzzling construction that places a small flange along the top of the bushing. The flange prevents the bushing from being easily pressed out. It can be done, but you're unlikely to do it in the field.
We make a $46 replacement housing that uses a different type of bushing. We use an Igus engineering plastic bushing. They're a bit more expensive but are a dream to work with, durable, and 100% field replaceable in about 20 minutes using a few simple tools, C-clamp, and Dremel tool (to cut a new pin groove).
If you're struggling with this problem, feel free to contact us.
Alternately, consider contacting JDAir for one of their bearing housings. I have no direct experience with this part, but it certainly looks like a nicely made unit, although more expensive.
Regardless, of whose parts you're using, please remember that the locking pin to control arm interface (the little notch in the steering arm) will absolutely require periodic cleaning and greasing. There is no way out of it. It must be done or your parts will wear, gum up, and you will lose your tailwheel steering.
Conclusion: Regardless of whose hardware is hanging off of your tail, do yourself a favor and clean and grease it often. Regularly taking 10 minutes for cleaning and greasing will go a LONG way towards never having a difficult replacement job like Ken described. The replacement job is easily a day's worth of work for most guys.
