Tail wheel rod bolt

[Schmleff]

Having fought with replacing my tail wheel rod, I can say that you will save yourself many headaches by breaking the AC4313 ground rules.

Weld the nut to the top of the retention tube! I inserted the bolt in from the top side before covering. I was able to get the nut off with much headache but gettin it back together has resulted in many course words and flying tools.

 

[racegunz]

gasp!!! break rules??

 

[Schmleff]

That was wrong, the bolt should typically come in from the top, which mine did not. It would not fit from the top without hitting things.

It now comes in from the top (after much frustration).

The bottom line is that the nut should be welded to the inside of the fuse. That way you can back the bolt out to remove the rod.

Almost done...

 

[Bil4381]

Because my SII has a ventral fin, the bolt is installed from the top. I use a taper punch to align the holes and gently tap it in. No spanners have flown thus far. I replaced the rod last fall. (pun)

 

[Schmleff]

The SII has a big plate in the back that makes this a moot point I suspect. The SI has two inspections holes not anywhere near arms reach away from the nut (or bolt).

Still, with no fabric on, its easier to weld the nut in in the long run.

 

[Hans]

indeed, replacing the tail wheel rod on my S-II proved to be much easier than I anticipated....

cheers
Hans