I was a bit overzealous torqueing the rudder counterbalance screws, which caused nutplate strip to bend a bit. The torque value was relatively low, less than 20-25 lbf*in that should be used for #10 bolts (I assume screw of the same size should be similar to the bolt?).
As I understand, the counterbalance has two counterbores due to the old method of attachment which used nuts.
What do you think? While everything is still open, I can take the nutplate strip out, straighten it and put some aluminum bushings under it. Or I can just keep it like that. The counterbalance is also attached with some amount of T-88 epoxy under it, so I don't think it should ever move.
See the attached image.
As I understand, the counterbalance has two counterbores due to the old method of attachment which used nuts.
What do you think? While everything is still open, I can take the nutplate strip out, straighten it and put some aluminum bushings under it. Or I can just keep it like that. The counterbalance is also attached with some amount of T-88 epoxy under it, so I don't think it should ever move.
See the attached image.