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"A" model rudder removal and reinstall.
Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2016 5:22 pm
by sreeves
I have to remove my rudder on my 170A for a cosmetic repair of the lower left skin (tailwheel spring break). The removal looks straight forward. But is there a trick on how to reinstall it. You have the three attach points, the top two of which have a bolt (AN4-11A) inserted and a nut (AN365-428). Seems like there should be a washer too but the IPC doesn't show it. There is very very little space to work with once you have the bolt dropped in place to get the nut reinstalled. Anybody found an easy way to do this? And would inserting a washer between the nut and attach point be OK? Not that anyone would notice but me.
Re: "A" model rudder removal and reinstall.
Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2016 5:59 pm
by bagarre
For initial alignment, I'd make or borrow a couple flap installation tools to help line up the hinges.
For the nut and washer...super glue is your friend. Glue the two together and a tiny dot to glue the nut to the wrench.
Re: "A" model rudder removal and reinstall.
Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2016 6:13 pm
by sreeves
Thanks!
Re: "A" model rudder removal and reinstall.
Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2016 6:57 pm
by daedaluscan
My mechanic advises me to always wash my nuts.
Re: "A" model rudder removal and reinstall.
Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2016 7:12 pm
by sreeves
Yep. And its better if you do it than your mechanic.
Re: "A" model rudder removal and reinstall.
Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2016 8:37 pm
by ghostflyer
Never put super glue on your nuts , use grease . It stops corrosion . Use it sparingly to hold washers and nuts in position .
Re: "A" model rudder removal and reinstall.
Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2016 8:48 pm
by gfeher
A dab of TiteSeal works well too, if you have some. Especially if you need to hold the nut and washer at an odd angle. Its a little more sticky than grease.
Re: "A" model rudder removal and reinstall.
Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2016 10:02 pm
by sreeves
Thanks for the suggestion guys....keep em coming!
Re: "A" model rudder removal and reinstall.
Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2016 11:25 pm
by N2625U
sreeves wrote:Thanks for the suggestion guys....keep em coming!
I'm learning too! Don't think I'm the only one.
Re: "A" model rudder removal and reinstall.
Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2016 6:09 am
by wabuchanan
We are in the process of reinstalling the rudder on mine now. The A&P I'm working with used the Jumbo Locking Clamp pliers to hold the bolts and slip them in the hinges. IE: large scale medical hemostats.....They hold the nuts as well to get started.
Re: "A" model rudder removal and reinstall.
Posted: Tue Nov 08, 2016 2:50 pm
by sreeves
I will try them all!
Re: "A" model rudder removal and reinstall.
Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2016 7:15 pm
by Kim Purcell
I reinstalled my A rudder last year after restoration. A friend who is an AI helped me and we did use a washer as well as a drilled bolt with castellated nut and cotter pin. I found hemostats worked for getting the bolt in then my small fingers were able to hold the washer and nut in place get them started, the top one is a tight space. A female friend with thin fingers who likes to work on planes would be helpful
- sorry I'm not nearby to help out