3" Ralmark roller-bearing pulleys

[RainierView]

I would very much like to install Ralmark roller-bearing pulleys in my '47 BC12D-85, but am having a hard time locating them. Earlier this year, Bob Ollerton posted a message on them and mentioned Classic Aero as a possible source. I phoned them and discovered they had no stock of T-craft Ralmark bearings and didn't know when they would be available. I was able to order the 6 1 3/4" A-229 Ralmark pulleys I need from Wag Aero, but neither Wag Aero or Classic Aero have the 3" Ralmark A-228 pulleys in stock. Does anyone have 10 3" Ralmark A-228 pulleys they would sell or know of a possible source?

Thanks,

Brian Leverson
'47 BC12D-85 (N5202M)

[N96337]

Re: 3" Ralmark roller-bearing pulleys

I think it was the Luscombe Foundation?
John

[PA1195]

Re: 3" Ralmark roller-bearing pulleys

This is where I bought mine: https://shop.classicaero.info/Taylor...Parts_c138.htm

They are special order items I believe and the retailer can run short of stock.

Gary

[woodmw]

Re: 3" Ralmark roller-bearing pulleys

Aircraft Spruce lists them:

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/appages/phenolicpulleys.php

[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)

[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

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)

[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.?

[astjp2]

I have a complete set of big and small

[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.

[waltermrich]

Thanks for the information, very helpful.

[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]

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 ?

[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.

[M Towsley]

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