Tailwheel steering

[Greg Bockelman]

Re: Tailwheel steering

Reverse my theory then. Or you have glazed a brake lining.

Mike

Has nothing to do with brakes. This is strictly TW steering without brakes.

[tawadc95]

Re: Tailwheel steering

what do the main tires look like?
a new phenom for the bird?

[Frank DeBartolo]

Re: Tailwheel steering

Personally, I like the theory about the counter-clockwise rotating turd.

FD
N43684

[Greg Bockelman]

Re: Tailwheel steering

what do the main tires look like?
a new phenom for the bird?

good tires
not new.

[tawadc95]

Re: Tailwheel steering

rudder pedal return spring wearing out?

[ClipWing_T]

Re: Tailwheel steering

You might look into this idea. Take the tail of the plane and
raise it up and sit it on a crate or something similar and check
you tailwheel for binding while moving the rudder. Check for loose
springs and the general straightness of the tailwheel assembly.
If that is not your problem ,check your axels for toe-in-out, + -.
If you have no binding of the tailwheel and the axels are not bent.
Then ..... might even check and see if your rudder cables are the same
length........? I would think you would notice that while flying though .

[tawadc95]

Re: Tailwheel steering

does it wander around during rollout or takeoff?
or just slow taxi?

[Greg Bockelman]

Re: Tailwheel steering

does it wander around during rollout or takeoff?
or just slow taxi?

Does not wander at all. Just easier to do right turns than left.

[tawadc95]

Re: Tailwheel steering

your pedals feel the same in the air and on the ground?

[pete]

Re: Tailwheel steering

I think it depends on whether you're on an east or west heading, since it's harder to turn "up" north than it is to turn "down" south.

Greg, a couple things I'd check first would be is to make sure the rudder pedals aren't binding and to check the cables for any kind of hang up.

[flybikefarm]

Re: Tailwheel steering

I would place the tail on a box or stand, then check for binding in the pedals and rudder system. Check also to see if the tail wheel is not cocked to the side. Make sure the springs are correct, if they are compression type the right one should be larger. George

[cpirrmann]

Re: Tailwheel steering

Does not wander at all. Just easier to do right turns than left.

Is this under power or prop blast? P-factor?

[Robert Lees]

Re: Tailwheel steering

Although it's difficult to know for sure, it sounds like you have a geometry problem.

With the tail on the ground, is your camber correct on the vertical spindle/axle of the swivel?

Lift the tail putting the aft fuselage (not the wheel) on a stand and centralise the rudder pedals.

1. Is the rudder in line with the fin?
2. Is the tailwheel in line with the fuselage?

If so, then are all the bolts etc tight (can you wobble the leaf springs? Is there adequate packing around the U-clamp?)
Can you "break out" the wheel to the left and right with the same force?
Is the wheel difficult to swivel?


You are not going to get a definitive answer to your problem on this forum, but hopefully some pointers so that you can go to your plane and examine the options.

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Tailwheel steering

Perhaps the Taylorcraft "brick" weight installed on some ships at the factory has shifted slightly to the side. These were older left over WPA bricks.

[Forrest Barber]

Re: Tailwheel steering

I hope you all forgive me for the "flippant" answer to a serious question, I got into the thread in the middle and just now reviewed the first question. You mean ground "steering" of course. Many answers are good. Wish the bird was here at 2D1 . Try this, taxi straight ahead directly into any wind ; 0 wind is best , take feet off rudder pedals for a moment ; what does she do at a slow taxi hardly any power.??
If she leads one way then go to step two as suggested and put onto saw horse under leaf spring front bolt, check for symetry . Another thing is to slow taxi through a wet area on concrete ramp and watch tire tracking out the other side. A lot of Taylorcrafts had an axle alignment problem right from the factory, usually the left one was up and back a wee bit...
rudder stops correct??