Heavy duty steering arm

How to keep the Cessna 170 flying and airworthy.

Moderators: GAHorn, Karl Towle, Bruce Fenstermacher

Post Reply
Markwestover1
Posts: 5
Joined: Fri Nov 27, 2015 6:54 pm

Heavy duty steering arm

Post by Markwestover1 »

I've searched the site with no real feedback that I'm looking for. The question is has anyone tried the heavy duty steering arm for the Scott 3200 and had it improve rudder steering on the ground or at taxi speeds? Is it worth doing for that reason?
User avatar
sfarringer
Posts: 323
Joined: Wed Jan 12, 2005 10:49 pm

Re: Heavy duty steering arm

Post by sfarringer »

I have used both on my airplane, and there is no difference in function in my opinion. I have no complaints about steering with either.
Ragwing S/N 18073
User avatar
Bruce Fenstermacher
Posts: 10422
Joined: Tue Apr 23, 2002 11:24 am

Re: Heavy duty steering arm

Post by Bruce Fenstermacher »

No one has ever reported that arm makes any difference.
CAUTION - My forum posts may be worth what you paid for them!

Bruce Fenstermacher, Past President, TIC170A
Email: brucefenster at gmail.com
User avatar
blueldr
Posts: 4442
Joined: Thu May 02, 2002 3:16 am

Re: Heavy duty steering arm

Post by blueldr »

The principal steering problem when taxiing the C-170 is the pressure result from the angle of dangle on the steering chains between the rudder horn and the tail wheel steering arm. It stinks. The last of the 1955 C-170s with the steering chains coming out of the lower rear part of the fuselage, as found on the later C-180s,is not much better and the interior cable connection of that installation was designed and accomplished by the local blacksmith in mountains near Podunk, Arkansas.
I've owned both kinds and neither one was worth a damn for steering.
For real delicate steering on a C-170, double puck brakes are the answer.
Last edited by blueldr on Fri Apr 15, 2016 3:23 pm, edited 1 time in total.
BL
User avatar
170C
Posts: 3182
Joined: Tue May 06, 2003 11:59 am

Re: Heavy duty steering arm

Post by 170C »

Really no issue with steering on the Scott 3200. Read the vrs posts on this forum re: proper T's alignment, etc
OLE POKEY
170C
Director:
2012-2018
Markwestover1
Posts: 5
Joined: Fri Nov 27, 2015 6:54 pm

Re: Heavy duty steering arm

Post by Markwestover1 »

Ok I do appreciate the input. I'm not complaining about the steering but just thought if there's a way to improve it without using as much brake, it'd be worth it. I think all is in order with the Scott 3200 and no need for adjustments. So I'll probably just leave well enough alone
User avatar
Ryan Smith
Posts: 1213
Joined: Tue Nov 25, 2008 4:26 am

Re: Heavy duty steering arm

Post by Ryan Smith »

HD steering arm on my airplane, but at some point along the way, the rudder bell crank had an extension added, so it's tough to say the net effect as my geometry is basically the same as a standard arm with a standard bell crank. I can't find any evidence of this mod being performed in the logbooks, and it will probably come off sooner rather than later.
User avatar
DaveF
Posts: 1563
Joined: Sat Nov 03, 2007 1:44 am

Re: Heavy duty steering arm

Post by DaveF »

Don't feel bad about complaining about the steering. WIthout brakes the 170 would be unsteerable at or below walking speed.
wingnut
Posts: 990
Joined: Fri Dec 15, 2006 7:58 pm

Re: Heavy duty steering arm

Post by wingnut »

blueldr wrote:The principal steering problem when taxiing the C-170 is the pressure result from the angle of dangle on the steering chains between the rudder horn and the tail wheel steering arm. It stinks. The last of the 1955 C-170s with the steering chains coming out of the lower rear part of the fuselage, as found on the later C-180s,is not much better and the interior cable connection of that installation was designed and accomplished by the local blacksmith in mountains near Podunk, Arkansas.
I've owned both kinds and neither one was worth a damn for steering.
I resemble that remark :lol:
Del Lehmann
Mena, Arkansas
Post Reply
Cessna® is a registered trademark of Textron Aviation, Inc. The International Cessna® 170 Association is an independent owners/operators association dedicated to C170 aircraft and early O-300-powered C172s. We are not affiliated with Cessna® or Textron Aviation, Inc. in any way.