Tail wheel spring

[wingnut]

Because this discussion includes the tail wheel leaf springs, I'd like to add my recent experience.
I just recently (3 weeks ago) ordered a main leaf. When we installed it, we noticed the main leaf was canted to the left a full 1/4" from the the rest of the leaf stack. We removed the new main leaf and laid it on its side, on a flat surfacing plate along side the old main leaf. It was obvious the bends in the new main leaf were not perpendicular to the length of the spring. This caused the spring to cant toward the left, and also cause the tailwheel to camber (lean a couple/few degrees inboard at top/outboard at bottom).
So, I called the vendor and explained the problem. They were very responsive and shipped another leaf immediately. This second leaf has the same problem, although not as bad; Its only an 1/8" canted to the left.
We just installed this second main leaf spring this morning, so I haven't had time to call the vendor to let them know we have the same problem.
I do not mention this issue to concern folks with the vendor. I've never had this issue previously, and the vendor has explained they occasionally have a problem with this particular issue. They are making it right. I've bought a lot of parts from these folks and never had this problem. They are fine folks. Everybody has an off day, or in this case, maybe, an off production run. I'm certain this vendor will take care of the problem. I'm just advising folks to double check the alignment with your spring stack, camber/caster before you place it in service. It could cause the tailwheel to track in a way that might result in an uncommanded exit from the runway, which would me a middle of the road (runway) scenario.........the worse being a ground loop, the least being excessive wear on tire and tailwheel assembly.
I've bought and installed no less than 8 of these main leaf springs in the past 3 years. This issue is new, so please don't think I'm faulting the vendor. Sshhiitt happens (or on this forum........poop happens).
I will continue to use and support this vendor.

[jmurtap]

Because this discussion includes the tail wheel leaf springs, I'd like to add my recent experience.
I just recently (3 weeks ago) ordered a main leaf. When we installed it, we noticed the main leaf was canted to the left a full 1/4" from the the rest of the leaf stack. We removed the new main leaf and laid it on its side, on a flat surfacing plate along side the old main leaf. It was obvious the bends in the new main leaf were not perpendicular to the length of the spring. This caused the spring to cant toward the left, and also cause the tailwheel to camber (lean a couple/few degrees inboard at top/outboard at bottom).
So, I called the vendor and explained the problem. They were very responsive and shipped another leaf immediately. This second leaf has the same problem, although not as bad; Its only an 1/8" canted to the left.
We just installed this second main leaf spring this morning, so I haven't had time to call the vendor to let them know we have the same problem.
I do not mention this issue to concern folks with the vendor. I've never had this issue previously, and the vendor has explained they occasionally have a problem with this particular issue. They are making it right. I've bought a lot of parts from these folks and never had this problem. They are fine folks. Everybody has an off day, or in this case, maybe, an off production run. I'm certain this vendor will take care of the problem. I'm just advising folks to double check the alignment with your spring stack, camber/caster before you place it in service. It could cause the tailwheel to track in a way that might result in an uncommanded exit from the runway, which would me a middle of the road (runway) scenario.........the worse being a ground loop, the least being excessive wear on tire and tailwheel assembly.
I've bought and installed no less than 8 of these main leaf springs in the past 3 years. This issue is new, so please don't think I'm faulting the vendor. Sshhiitt happens (or on this forum........poop happens).
I will continue to use and support this vendor.

I had that same problem with the new set I bought from Univair, however it was the 2nd spring (longest one above the main) when installed in the channel it took off a 1/4" to the right. Disassembled and checked on the table it look nice in line, until the bushing was inserted, then one could see the a difference in that spring, we ended up filing a bit off of that spring where it rest in the channel and suddenly everything lined up. That spring is the one the bracket attaches to at the end so we felt there would be no issue with any possible side movement, and we were unsuccessful at finding any play in it after it was installed in the channel. This was a minor manufacturing defect that could have been a major problem, if left alone. However we will be keeping a close eye on it.

Wingnut, I fully plan on coming to see you this summer to have you look at my rigging, or maybe just to visit with the 170 guru, your not very far from my home base. I'd really like to see your operation.

[swixtt]

The new spring installed. Gained 5links of chain on each side.