How to determine if there's a side load in the control column?

[ymc9]

I've put thick/thick + thick/thin washers around the bearing, and the movement feels smooth. Not sure how I'm supposed to "feel" the side load. Is it something that you'll know if it's there? Or do I need to try different washer combinations and use the one that feels best? That'll be quite some work though ...

The KAI's note is quite threatening.

 

[lr172]

You have to watch what the two ears do whenn you tighten the nut. If there is a space between the bearing and an ear, tightening will pull the bearing toward the ear first and then pull the ear in to close the gap. Those bearings in that application can take almost 0 axial load, only radial load. With axial load from lack of shims or asymmetrical shimming , the bearings will fail quickly.

It is a finesse thing and a bit hard to put in words. You should have to gently push the shim / washer into the open space

 

[Baron71]

I just finished mine no hands on experience, so take it for what it’s worth:
I did try not to overthink it, and just placed the washes carefully such that there’s just no left-right play in the bar, carefully watching not to create any tension.
I did however, fit two 363 washers (thick) on either side. Now, you make me think. On the other hand, my controls feel very light and easy without any play.

 

[ymc9]

I checked it again today and felt one side had a bit more friction than the other. Tried changing washer combinations but it didn't help much. I needed to adjust the other side and use asymmetric washers to shift the control column horizontally a bit. It's smoother after the adjustment.

 

[ymc9]

I just finished mine no hands on experience, so take it for what it’s worth:
I did try not to overthink it, and just placed the washes carefully such that there’s just no left-right play in the bar, carefully watching not to create any tension.
I did however, fit two 363 washers (thick) on either side. Now, you make me think. On the other hand, my controls feel very light and easy without any play.

Just curious, looking at the picture again, did you torque the bolts to the standard value? Asking because I don’t see threads coming out of the nut side. Maybe a picture issue though.

 

[docjjrmd]

Just curious, looking at the picture again, did you torque the bolts to the standard value? Asking because I don’t see threads coming out of the nut side. Maybe a picture issue though.

Needs a longer bolt. Need at least 2 if not 3 threads showing past nylock. (I know some say only 1.5 threads are ok, not my preference.)

 

[Walt]

You have to watch what the two ears do whenn you tighten the nut. If there is a space between the bearing and an ear, tightening will pull the bearing toward the ear first and then pull the ear in to close the gap. Those bearings in that application can take almost 0 axial load, only radial load. With axial load from lack of shims or asymmetrical shimming , the bearings will fail quickly.

It is a finesse thing and a bit hard to put in words. You should have to gently push the shim / washer into the open space

To add a little to the above, which is correct, the bolts must be tight, and the column or control surface still move freely with no friction.