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Rod End Bearing

F

flyer76

Member
Finishing up the Rudder, and about to install the Rod End Bearings...I started to screw in and it appears when the bolt hits the platenut, it gets very difficult to turn.

I do not want to strip this at all. Should I use a lube, force, or what?
 
not unusual...

nutplates are formed a bit oblong and the first screw will be the tightest as it threads, unless it is crazy tight just have at it... you can run a tap through if you have too but it is pretty rare that it is needed.
 
If it' Like mine..

If its like mine it was a 3/8-24 nutplate.

I took a cheepy 3/4 or so? socket and made it fit over the ball but supporting the rod end teardrop body.

It took me about a 1/2 hour, but well worth it.

You will be adjusting these carefully and there are quite a few of them.

I would be more afraid if there was less resistance, you don't want these to move once you put them in place.

I also went overboard and installed drilled jam nuts, NAS1423-6's
Not necessary, I am just a fastener geek.:D

http://www.gen-aircraft-hardware.com/images/pdf/nuts_corner_drilled.pdf

Have Fun and be safe.
 
use force...

...unless it is really really tight. I would not run a tap because then you remove the self locking feature of the nutplate.
However I did use this tool made by Sam Buchanan (thanks Sam!!!)

http://home.hiwaay.net/~sbuc/journal/odd-ends.html#bearing tool

I would almost daresay that this is a must have tool. Installing (and adjusting!) the rod end becomes a breeze, you can use a lot of force and you dont have to be afraid of damaging the bearing (like you would when using a socket or pliers)

Hope this helps,

Marco
RV-7
 
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