Replace cables?

[mhorowit]

I'm a few weeks away from running cables and mounting the eppenage to see if I have all the parts.
I know how to test for broken cable strands, but assuming I find none, is there any reason I shouldn't use the old cables? - Mike

[Robert Lees]

Re: Replace cables?

In my view, as long as you check for internal broken strands, then no.

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Replace cables?

Of course you WILL be looking for other things like bad ends or rusty cables (just to keep this honest) ;-)
Hank

You also know NOT to check for broken strands by running your hands down the cables, right? The blood really corrodes the cables something awful!
I drag the leg of one of my wife's old stockings down the cable (NOT WITH HER LEG IN IT!) Even the tiniest end of a strand will snag the nylon.

Yes, I use old pantyhose for lots of things, and yes, the guys at the airport DO look at me funny sometimes.

[Pearson]

Re: Replace cables?

If you are ever working fiberglass, cutting, grinding, etc, or laying insulation, nylons can help pull the fibers out of your skin which eases the itching. You drag it over your skin lightly several times. Follow up with a COLD shower. It helps close the pores of the skin.

[mhorowit]

Re: Replace cables?

Of course you WILL be looking for other things like bad ends or rusty cables (just to keep this honest) ;-)
Hank

Good morning Hank - Let's talk about "bad ends and rusty cables".
When you say "bad end" you are refering to unraveling? I don't recall that I have any, but if I do, what's the fix? Whip it?
Rusty cables - remove any rust and re-oil?
- Mike

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: Replace cables?

By bad ends I mean bad or damaged attachments around the eyelets where the cable is clamped together. I haven't had a problem with the ends "unwinding" but have seen them like that before and the loose wires would be a PAIN to work around. My brake cables where they come out of the "U" channel Bugs have shrink tube around the ends to keep them from unraveling. I WOULD NOT put heat shrink on a cable that could get wet and rust under the heat shrink! I think the 43.14 has some good words on "whipping" the ends of unraveling cables, but need to look.

As for rusty cable, I don't think you can remove the rust and re-oil. You will NEVER get all of the rust out and if the outside looks new when you are done, what about the rust that is now hidden? If I had a cable rusty enough to need removal of the rust, I would replace the cable.
Hank

[clear_prop1961]

Re: Replace cables?

You need to check the cables for wear... not just broken strands. AC43.13 shows unacceptable wear on cables. My IA recently had me change my rudder cables because of excessive wear where the cable goes thur the fabric. You can also find wear on the cables at the cable guides or pulleys.

If you are restoring an aircraft, replacing the cables now that the fabric off is so much easier... trust me!

Jerry

[Dennis Keels]

Re: Replace cables?

Why not replace the cables now,so you don't have to worry about it later. Saving a few pennies now could mean big dollars later

[Marv]

Re: Replace cables?

It may mean saving your airplane or your but. Old as thay are and the condition of the reat of the airplane i would definetly replace all the cables. Marv

[Guest]

Re: Replace cables?

43.13-1b requires testing prior to installation;

7-146. CABLE PROOF LOADS. Cable
terminals and splices should be tested for
proper strength before installation. Gradually
apply a test load equal to 60 percent of the cable-
breaking strengths given in table 7-3 and table 7-4, for a period of 3 minutes. Place a
suitable guard over the cable during the test to
prevent injury to personnel in the event of cable
failure.

Also see section 7-149. CABLE SYSTEM INSPECTION.

Dave

[Bird]

Re: Replace cables?

In my opinion as a crane operator that has seen cables go south faster then crap through a goose, replace them now-- while a visule inspection is good-- you are only looking at the outside, 9 times out of 10 it's the core that you don't see that makes for very interesting moments.
Yes I have seen cables last a very long time years to say the least, when properly maintained and not under constant strain, but there is movement miniscule as it may be and the lubrication that can not be done in a aircraft and if done will only build up on the pullys and if there is 1 drop that works it's way to the interior of the skin it will show up on the outside sooner or later