Replace Main Tail leaf Spring

[MoonlightVFR]

Need Advice

I want to replace main tail leaf Spring. C170B made July '54.

I purchased a replacement spring 15 years ago, Now I cannot locate my spring and must purchase another.

I have studied the IPC . Two cups of coffee. Question arises. Should I replace the original BOLTS AN6-22A and AN7-10A ? Just because of age?

I never hear of the bolts breaking, just the main leaf spring.

There has been extensive discussion on this spring in Forum.

Terrible picture painted. You land your C 170, main leaf spring breaks, entire tailwheel , still attached by steering chains FLAILS your tail feathers, batters rudder , elevators.
6 to 8 $ in repairs.

What new spring should i purchase and from what source?

Thank you

[lowNslow]

Several places stock the tailwheel main springs. Univair I believe has the best price ($70). As far as the hardware, you are talking less then $5 worth of nuts and bolts - better safe then sorry.
http://www.univair.com/cessna/cessna-17 ... el-spring/

[Bruce Fenstermacher]

Grady the bolt does break and it has been reported here. You must not have been paying attention.

And not only that the king ping in the tail wheel has also been know to shear/break. But the king pin is not replaceable by itself and if it fails is not likely to damage your aircraft further.