Flight Control Cables

[daveyb]

Any thoughts, suggestions, comments about replacing the flight control cables? I have a '52 B model, they seem to be in good shape, but there is a thin film of "rust looking" aura to them. They have been lubricated regularly, and have had the "run over the cable witH a fiber cloth" check. Seems the discoloration is more indigenous to something other than rust, as it occurs in partial areas.

Thanx

daveyb

[n3833v]

If you replace any, think about replacing them all so you only rig once instead of continuously for each cable.

John

[MoonlightVFR]

Best

Visually inspect were possible, Wipe appropriately.

Tail cone , cannot usually totally visually inspect. Inspect ferrules where cable exits to tailwheel steer.

A PSYCHOLOGICAL fear of cable failure can and does develop. Especially if log book notes, flooded, tail cone. advise close inspection.

Original cable system is incredibly OVERBUILT. Trust your cables.

Watch out for AI with white cotton gloves.

I have original cables , removed from 26433, May do a Show and Tell at a convention!


Regards

[daveyb]

Thanx for the replies. I do believe they are in good shape and not posing any threat, but am prone to always err on the side of caution. Will use the above advice, and solicit a few other opinions locally as well.

[misterl19]

The Australian CAA has already implemented a mandated 15 year change out for all flight control cables, Transport Canada and the FAA are soon to follow with similar rulings
I have the capability to make new cables in galvi or stainless if you'r on floats!

be safe and Merry Christmas

[ghostflyer]

The Australian CASA has had the replacement of cables in for some time. We have had some cable failures in aircraft and nearly were all on the ground doing their take off checks. I have been slowly changing my cables every 100 hrly. Last year I did the aileron cables and this year I did the elevator cables and the hand brake cable. the elevator cables changed were a lot of fun BUT I always though I had a fuel selector that had a weep. It's a bad job that I was putting off until a raining day. During the cable change I found a fuel line to the fuel selector was LOOSE. It tighten nearly a full turn . Cleaned everything everything in that area. YIPPEE, no fuel leaks or smells . It wasn't the fuel selector at all . The old stainless cables were joined together and strung up in the garage for drying of the clothes when we have wet weather. Brownie points from the wife.

[daveyb]

Quite interesting, especially with the mandates from the Australian folks. ( I deal with them on a regular basis, flying into SYD, good folks!) That being said, am always up for good maintenance, and am looking forward to the rendition that Aussie study has to say

[hilltop170]

As far as leaking fuel lines go, I found one fuel line under the floor that was resting on a belly stringer. Vibration had worn a groove in the bottom of the fuel line that you could feel but not see from above, and not worn enough to leak, yet. When the line was removed, I gave it one slight bend at the groove and it cracked into two pieces.

[daveyb]

Isn't that the fun of opening Pandora's Box? Find one malady, and progress to the next! Oh well, I wanted to have a little more maintenance background as I have gotten older >bg<