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Replace Main Tail leaf Spring

Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2016 2:16 pm
by 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

Re: Replace Main Tail leaf Spring

Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2016 3:24 pm
by 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/

Re: Replace Main Tail leaf Spring

Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2016 5:49 pm
by 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.