It’s a rod end bearing for the RV-8 elevator control rod. Never installed but looks poor. 
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Would You Use or Replace This?
- Thread starter Pilotjim77
- Start date
Nothing looks wrong with it from a visual point of view...Maybe brush a little primer on the exposed steel...as long as the bearing rotates freely and you lubricate it with some light oil like LPS, it should be fine
And- how does the bearing look? feel?
If it were on a flying aircraft, I'd clean it up and bit and spray some CorrosionX or something similar and go with it rather than disassemble components. But since everything else is brand spankin' new and this hasn't been installed yet, I'd order another. Just my two cents...
While your'e at it (ordering) order 1 spare in each size to toss into a storage bin for bearings. You never know if or when you might have to replace one in the distant future.
Utah-Jay
Well Known Member
1 is none and 2 is 1
Thanks for the replies. It looks like the protective coating (cadmium?) has worn off on part of the circumference. I think I'll feel better just ordering a new one. The movement of the bearing seems fine. 
Here's a couple more photos:
Here's a couple more photos:Assuming the ball / bushing areas move smoothly & freely... I see cosmetic issues only. Do you conduct guided tours throught your tail cone? If you do, than be concerned & cough up the money & replace it. Otherwise a couple seconds of masking the bushing and a squirt of primer will insure that part is airworthy for the next 50 years.
By the way, that part would be deemed in prime condition at the OSH Aeromart booth.
By the way, that part would be deemed in prime condition at the OSH Aeromart booth.
Lol, thanks for the comic relief.
Chuck it!
Always difficult to tell from just pics, but it appears the cad plating is also worn off down by the shank. We had an issue with missing cad plating on the shank on a helicopter. Long story but rust lead to a stress fracture and the guy died.
Always difficult to tell from just pics, but it appears the cad plating is also worn off down by the shank. We had an issue with missing cad plating on the shank on a helicopter. Long story but rust lead to a stress fracture and the guy died.
