Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Cables: When to change?

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • Cables: When to change?

    How do you evaluate when to change a cable? Wad it up and look for broken strands? - Mike

    PS - while we're at it, what do you look for to see if a pulley is worn? - Mike
    Mike Horowitz
    Falls Church, Va
    BC-12D, N5188M
    TF - 14954

  • #2
    Re: Cables: When to change?

    Mike:

    Around here they have what they call the "Green Ape Test". Its where you put on a new green ape glove and then run your hand over the cable, if the any of the green cotton hangs up or catches on the cable, it needs to be changed. Not sure if this if overly cautious as I am not a mechanic, hopefully the more knowledgeable will weigh in.

    Jeff
    Jeff Lowrey
    1946 BC-12D N44239

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Cables: When to change?

      Mike i would install new cables while you are recovering. It will be easier and you wont have to do it later. Marv
      Marvin Post TF 519

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Cables: When to change?

        I agree with Marv. Replace them when everything is off, and it's not a big deal at all. Cable and Nicopress fittings are cheap!! To test, such as during an annual, I use a rag, and run it the length of the cable, to see if there's any strands that are sticking out... don't hold it tight with your hand or you'll know just how many strands are there! I also pay particular attention to any area that passes over a pulley, through a fairlead, and the ends.
        JH
        I'm so far behind, I think I'm ahead

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Cables: When to change?

          Having new ones made will be a good thing to do, since you have it all apart. I found two rudder cables broken 3/4 of the way through on a Grumman Yankee once... after I flew it from Chicago to LA!
          Taylorcraft : Making Better Aviators for 75 Years... and Counting

          Bill Berle
          TF#693

          http://www.ezflaphandle.com
          http://www.grantstar.net
          N26451 (1940 BL(C)-65) 1988-90
          N47DN (Auster Autocrat) 1992-93
          N96121 (1946 BC-12D-85) 1998-99
          N29544 (1940 BL(C)-85) 2005-08

          Comment


          • #6
            WAS: Cables Now: Worn Pulleys??

            Originally posted by mhorowit
            PS - while we're at it, what do you look for to see if a pulley is worn? - Mike
            Some of my pulleys show the cable weave pattern. Does that mean anything with respect to needing to change the pulley? - MIke
            Mike Horowitz
            Falls Church, Va
            BC-12D, N5188M
            TF - 14954

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: WAS: Cables Now: Worn Pulleys??

              Originally posted by mhorowit
              Some of my pulleys show the cable weave pattern. Does that mean anything with respect to needing to change the pulley? - MIke
              Mike,

              I doesn't have to mean replacement is needed.

              If you haven't already check out ac43.13-1B chapter 7 page 35 (aprox.).

              Gives some way to detects misalignment based on pulley patterns.

              I have put a proper size bolt thru the pulley the put the bolt in a drill or drill press. Run the drill and take chain saw file of the correct diameter (ie. same as arc at bottom of pulley groove) and carefully smooth down the pattern. Chain saw files are cylindrical, rat tail files are not, only use chain saw files.

              Results in a tiny change to the pulley's effective diameter and most of the pattern is gone.

              Or you could forget the whole thing, I am not sure whether the pattern really hurts or helps.

              It probably makes less noise without the pattern. as if you could notice that in a T-craft.

              The cable tensions are so low I can't imagine the pattern causes any cable damage. Obviously the pulley is the "wear part".

              Dave.

              Comment

              Working...