Tailwheel Bearing Interference

[Mikeyb]

I noticed my Tailwheel would squeak pulling the plane in the hanger after 60 Hours. Rotating by hand it felt gritty. When it was first installed it was very smooth.

I replaced the tailwheel with the sealed bearing version.

When I removed the old one it was obvious one bearing was ruined. A closer look showed that there was enough misalignment in the tail wheel fork to pinch the bearing race and distort it.

The new wheel is thinner and allows washers to be added to get the forks to clear the races.

 

[vfrazier]

I replaced the tailwheel with the sealed bearing version.

I'll bet that you also lost a pound by replacing the original tire with the lighter sealed bearing tire.

tailwheel products

 

[Mikeyb]

Yep
The stock one 2.6 lb. The new one 1.6 lb.