RepmikeBrown
Well Known Member
Big milestone today. I finished installing wings, plumbing, wiring and checked all of my aileron up and down movements. The stick movement seemed a little heavy left and right but ok forward and aft. I probably wouldn?t have ever second guessed the heaviness had there not been another RV4 in the hanger next to me. It?s movements were effortless, but I did have the servos connected from an auto pilot installed. I thought maybe this added the extra drag in the controls. Not satisfied I disconnected the aileron servo and still had the heavy stick both left and right. I start with left and right aileron bushings/washers, any possible rubbing of close parts. Moved on to the aileron push rods checking all rod end bearings and washers. Next the bell crank and then the large push rod tubes all moving freely I install them back and still heavy left /right movement on stick. I examine the stick control for binding or interference, and then finally removed the heim bearings for inspection. I?m down 2 days so far, but finally found the culprit. The rear heim bearing has been damaged ever so slightly. The small crease on the brass
has also creased the interior of the housing race causing the bearing to bind. I just wished I?d started looking from that point first. Lesson learned.
has also creased the interior of the housing race causing the bearing to bind. I just wished I?d started looking from that point first. Lesson learned.