Tailwheels

[Len Petterson]

During landing after the first fligth I found some instabilety in tracking during tuchdown. Inspection of the tail wheel reviled a 15 to 20 deg. free swivel ,to either side, in tail wheel sterring mechanism. It is also requiring some power and full rudder deflection to bring back to a straigth line positon from a turn during taxing.
The tailwheel is a Maule SFSA. Wheelbearing, tire and post bering are ok.
I would apprichate if any one can tell me if this normal for this tailwheel?

Len Petterson

Keep on smiling, it's a T-craft!

[Hank Jarrett]

Did you check to see if the whole spring assembly can twist side to side? The 3 springs will be bale to rock back and forth on the fuselage bottom if the bushing was lost the last time the springs were off (TRUST ME IT'S EASY TO DO!) and the front bolt will bend and break. Makes steraing really "interesting".
Worse yet corrosion in the "Taylorcraft Terrible Triangle" can cause a cluster failure that will allow the whole tail to twist! Pick up the tail and pull the tail wheel sideways and make sure everything back there is solid.
Hank