Tailwheel spring tension

[Carrieve]

Hi gang. I just replaced the old springs on my tailwheel and they are a little different from the old ones in length. I can adjust with the new chains that came from Wag-Aero but I don't know how tight or loose the springs should be. Anyone have the answer?

[Robert Lees]

Re: Tailwheel spring tension

Are they tension springs or compressions springs? Even with that known, it's a difficult question to answer, depending on the tailwheel type, and the weight on the stern-post, the age/condition of the leaf-springs, etc, etc.

BUT (big but), in general: for tension springs you want the the springs just tight (but no more so).

For compression springs, you want them just loose (but no less so).

A bit of trial and error taxying around will let you get your own set-up to suit you and the aeroplane.

[jim cooper]

Re: Tailwheel spring tension

Just firm, no slack worked on my 3200 scott. Any looser, it shimmys. JC

[cvavon]

Re: Tailwheel spring tension

I posted the installation instructions for Maul tail wheel on our website.

Here is a link to our website for posting 337's and STC's that I have. Once on site, click on the taylorcraft 337 button it will take you to our storage vault of what we have so far. websites are not allowing for the file size to send direct. http://flyingfunn.moonfruit.com

[Carrieve]

Re: Tailwheel spring tension

I do have compression springs with a Maule Tundra wheel. I have it just snug at this time. Once the huge snow bank goes I can try taxing and check for shimmy.I removed the SFSA-1-2 soft rubber wheel in hopes of a softer "ride". My A&P says to get busy with the 337 and a new weight and balance as it does weigh three pounds more. Thanks for the help.

[Guest]

Re: Tailwheel spring tension

One of the t-crafts at my airport was damaged (totaled) last year on landing.

One spring broke or otherwise fell off and when he landed the tailwheel was pulled to one side (left I think but it does not matter) and he ran off the runway.

That happened because the springs had been installed with tension on them (ie. they were streched) so when one was broken the other pulled the wheel to one side and there is no way to overcome it.

So don't install your springs so that there is tension on them. If you tailwheel vibrates maybe there is another problem to fix.

Dave

[NY86]

Re: Tailwheel spring tension

The Scott 3200 has an internal shimmy dampener and should not shimmy even if the chains are disconnected. The 2000/3-24B, on the other hand, requires tension to lock the steering arms to the wheel. IIRC, 1/4" stretch of the springs is called for. If one spring breaks, though, the wheel becomes free castering. Maules, Langs, etc. should have minimal to no tension, although a little tension on the heavy Maule Tundra wheel helps tame it a bit.

[dmcneil]

Re: Tailwheel spring tension

The Scott 3200 has an internal shimmy dampener and should not shimmy even if the chains are disconnected. The 2000/3-24B, on the other hand, requires tension to lock the steering arms to the wheel. IIRC, 1/4" stretch of the springs is called for. If one spring breaks, though, the wheel becomes free castering. Maules, Langs, etc. should have minimal to no tension, although a little tension on the heavy Maule Tundra wheel helps tame it a bit.

Hey John,

Exactly right. Proper spring tension is a function of the tailwheel type. Each manufacturer has steering spring recommendations. Scott has two steering spring kits... one for the Scott 3200 (pn 3239) and one for the 3-24B/2000 (pn 2151). Each spring kit comes with steering spring tension instructions. They are as you said... the 3-24B requires about 25 pounds of tension for proper operation due to the clamping action of the steering arms on the tailwheel fork. The 3200 requires no tension at all.

Dan

[Guest]

Re: Tailwheel spring tension

Good info Dan & John, thanks

[Carrieve]

Re: Tailwheel spring tension

I remember many years ago landing with a broken (tension) spring. Talk about a rude awakening when the tail came down. Kept her on the the runway but lots of rudder and brake was required. That is the reason for installing new springs with the different/new tailwheel.