control friction

[Ron Shannon]

Turns out things are not as rosy as it seemed, and it's time for the next
two (4, 6...?) steps back. When I got the control column fully reinstalled
yesterday (first time in a couple years) I found way too much friction in
both aileron and elevator.

Some disassembly to isolate the aileron/roll problem shows the right wing is
fine. However, the left wing torque tube, which has always been stiff, is
worse, so much so that the flaperon, once raised, will not fall on its own.
(It's fine when disconnected from the push-pull -- no friction in the
hinges.) There's even an audible squeal coming from inside the wing,
presumably the Delrin bearings. I've read recommendations of using (only)
the Crown silicone lube in the archives but, even after cutting an access
port to reach the wing torque tube bearings, I'm not sure I could apply it
where it needs to go, or if it would do the job.

Even with both wing torque tube horns disconnected at the wing roots, there
is still too much friction in the overhead torque tubes at the torque tube
hanger, quite a bit more than I remember from when it was last hooked up to
the column two + years ago. The SS AIL-26 bearings which butt up against the
hanger are not moving, which is correct, I think...? I'm wondering if the
(captive, unreachable) connecting bolt across the hanger may be too tight?
Accommodating the angle change there has been a plague for many, I know.

The essence of difficulty in solving the roll problems is I have two places
with too much friction, and neither is easily accessible. I sure hope I can
fix both the aileron/roll issues without having to pull the left wing off.
Too much elevator friction in the control column bearings too, but at least
there is access to that.

Experience suggests this stuff will turn out to be not as difficult as I
imagine now, but it certainly is discouraging. Suggestions appreciated.

Ron
254R




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[mikeh]

Hi all,
FWIW I sanded the black paint? off most areas of steel where delrin
bushes are fitted and found a couple of areas where the steel had rusted
while being stored , making extra friction. This is easily rectified
provided it's not assembled. It shouldn't be a problem when the plane is
completed as I intend to fly it so often that rust won't form! Cheers
Mike 818R



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