3" Ralmark roller-bearing pulleys

[Hank Jarrett]

ESPECIALLY adding that turnbuckle between the control wheels! It can be fairly small since it only has to adjust the difference between two teeth on a control shaft sprocket but it sure is nice to get the whee

[astjp2]

Agreed, definitely worth it. Once you have the correct parts there will be no significant difference in the installation.

Note that another somewhat unique trait of the Taylorcraft pulleys is that the bolts are AN3 ie 3/16" as opposed to AN4 1/4" for most commonly available pulleys.

I bought mine through the Luscombe foundation and I was/am under the impression this was the only source.

If I have the money, I can do a bulk buy from Ralmark, but then I get to sit on them and have the money out until they are sold. I have to buy about 500 of each size...I do have an alternate method to modify the original pulleys, I have bearings that I can press in, but I would need to set up my lathe to make it happen. The bearings are not cheap either...

[astjp2]

I second that, my controls are smoother than a Cessna, I also had my yoke shafts rechromed too which helped a lot for elevator smoothness

[Scott]

Agreed, definitely worth it. Once you have the correct parts there will be no significant difference in the installation.

Note that another somewhat unique trait of the Taylorcraft pulleys is that the bolts are AN3 ie 3/16" as opposed to AN4 1/4" for most commonly available pulleys.

I bought mine through the Luscombe foundation and I was/am under the impression this was the only source.

[M Towsley]

Also, yes, the effort and expense is well worth it.

[3Dreaming]

Again thanks for the information, apparently there is more to it than I first thought , and apparently more cost than I thought, Im wondering if it is worth it ?

In my opinion the answer is yes.

[waltermrich]

Again thanks for the information, apparently there is more to it than I first thought , and apparently more cost than I thought, Im wondering if it is worth it ?

[astjp2]

The last issue with installing ball bearing pulleys, the originals are so worn that the new pulleys need longer cables to keep your yokes vertical and proper thread engagement in the turn buckles. You will also want a cable with a turnbuckle in the center of the H column so you can adjust that cable too. Some airplanes do not have that.

[waltermrich]

Thanks for the information, very helpful.

[astjp2]

I purchased some 3 inch Ralmark roller bearing pulleys at Oshkosh in July, but I have noticed that they are slightly larger, in width then the original pulleys and do not easily fit into the original brackets that hold the pulleys to the airframe. How has anyone that has installed them delt with this, or is there a specific pulley for Taylorcraft that Im not aware of.?

the taylorcraft pulleys are VERY SPECIFIC and built to a different dimension than any other pulley. The pulleys are 3/16" wide where an AN/milspec pulley is at least 1/4", They also use an AN4/5 bolt sized bearing where the taylorcraft is for an AN3 bolt, anything but an exact fit is not a wise install IMHO.

[astjp2]

I have a complete set of big and small

[waltermrich]

I purchased some 3 inch Ralmark roller bearing pulleys at Oshkosh in July, but I have noticed that they are slightly larger, in width then the original pulleys and do not easily fit into the original brackets that hold the pulleys to the airframe. How has anyone that has installed them delt with this, or is there a specific pulley for Taylorcraft that Im not aware of.?

[RainierView]

Re: 3" Ralmark roller-bearing pulleys

After months of delay, I received the 10 3" ball-bearing pulleys I ordered from Classic Aero today, giving me what I need for my project. I phoned and thanked Laurie Combs, who said they had problems with the order but now have adequate stock of both the 1 3/4" and 3" Taylorcraft bearings.

Brian Leverson
'47 BC12D-85 (N5202M)

[PA1195]

Re: 3" Ralmark roller-bearing pulleys

Hi Brian, it's good news that they will be available soon. It's scary what they do to the control feel - it's finger light with them onboard.

Gary

[RainierView]

Re: 3" Ralmark roller-bearing pulleys

Thanks, Gary!

I tried to order the pulleys from Classic Aero in April, but they were out of stock. Earlier this week I placed another order for 10 BB 228-AA 3" Ralmark ball-bearing pulleys (https://shop.classicaero.info/Taylor...Parts_c138.htm) and Doug Combs confirmed they expected delivery next week of the Ralmark pulleys they had ordered in May. My understanding is that they have to order a significant quantity from Ralmark to justify tooling up for production, so they may have enough to last for some time. So now would be a good time to place an order if you're considering replacing your bushing pulleys. Hopefully there's enough demand from the Taylorcraft community to persuade them to restock in the future!

Note I checked Aircraft Spruce and they do not appear to have any ball-bearing pulleys compatible with Taylorcraft. I talked to Wag-Aero and was advised that though they have yet to remove the T-craft Ralmark pulleys from their website, they are no longer stocking them.

Thanks,

Brian Leverson
'47 BC12D-85 (N5202M)