Tailwheel springs

How to keep the Cessna 170 flying and airworthy.

Moderators: GAHorn, Karl Towle, Bruce Fenstermacher

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Compression springs or Tension Springs?

Poll ended at Fri Jun 28, 2002 1:24 am

Stay with Tension Springs
6
67%
Go with Compression Springs
3
33%
 
Total votes: 9

U2Hoog
Posts: 42
Joined: Tue Apr 23, 2002 4:27 am

Tailwheel springs

Post by U2Hoog »

I'm thinking about replacing my old tension tailwheel springs with the new compression springs (they stay "intact" if they break). The A&P tells me the feel will be a lot "harder" through the rudder pedals. Other than that, no real difference (he says).

Any thoughts on using these new type? Would you recommend staying with the old tension style, and then using a cable in the middle as a backup in case a spring broke?

U2Hoog
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Roesbery
Posts: 302
Joined: Tue Apr 23, 2002 4:34 am

Post by Roesbery »

Never had one break in 20+ years, wouldn't get excited if one did.
n3833v
Posts: 857
Joined: Tue Apr 23, 2002 6:02 pm

Tailwheel spring

Post by n3833v »

I changed to the compression and couldn't get it to release for swivel without excessive chain looseness. I went back to the tension springs.
John
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GAHorn
Posts: 20991
Joined: Fri Apr 12, 2002 8:45 pm

Post by GAHorn »

Compression springs are a solution to a non-existant problem.

And they create a NEW PROBLEM! After they compress fully..they over-stress the rudder control circuit by becoming SOLID coils of steel. Next thing that happens is....the rudder cables pull their pulleys completely out of their mountings, and tear the bulkheads to which they were previously attached. 8O

Don't use compression tailwheel steering springs.
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