Van's Air Force

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Introduction to the Force and rod end bracket question

JDKFLY

Member
Hi VAF, I just purchased a RV 14a kit and would like to introduce myself to the VAF community, looks like a wealth of info here so will be using it for research and questions as I move forward on the build. I purchased a partially completed kit with QB wings and Fuse, the previous owner completed the tail feathers and part of the aft fuse so I have a pretty good start. No LC parts or Primer issues.
Im currently doing a fit check with the elevators and rudder to the finished stabs and noticed a pretty tight fit of the bearing rod ends into the hinge brackets ( brackets were not mfg at 90 deg). measured spacing of bracket at the bearing position is 0.36 in. and the bearing rod end is 0.43 (0.070 tight). I can spread them apart with a wooden tool to fit but does take some force against the steel brackets, does anyone think this is a issue over time, seems like this amount of residual stress in the brackets would not be good over time. I did check with Vans and he did not seem to think it was a issue but did not have a convincing argument, just wanted to also check with the force. Thanks in advance !
 
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with putting a slight bend on the brackets to achieve a 90* bend and a .43 gap for the rod end bearing. The important thing is to make sure the brackets line up perfectly with each other and the center elevator horn bearing, or all three rudder bearing brackets. Putting any stress on the rod bearing in assembly is what lead to the outboard elevator bracket stress induced cracks around the bracket rivets in the aft stabilizer (reason for SB - I think anyway). Make sure you line those brackets up as perfectly as possible on the aft stab spar.
 
Thanks for the reply Scott, the brackets are already assembled to the HS spar so no option to adjust , Not sure I can bend the brackets for a better fit with them attached. I will check the hole alignments as you suggested (going to try using the string method and a tip of a pen). I did attach the elevators and rudder and they do move freely.
 
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