tailwheel leaf spring bracket

[Laz]

Does anyone have the correct dimensions for the rear U shaped bracket that holds the the rear of the tail wheel leaf spring in place. The one I have seems to be home made and way to small in depth to fit the three leafs and pad. I purchased my spring from Univair and the radius of the middle spring takes some compression to match with the bottom one. Is this normal?

[Hank Jarrett]

Re: tailwheel leaf spring bracket

I have the one off of my 45 if someone doesn't beat me to it. Hope to get out to the airport Thursday.
Hank

[ajfriz]

Re: tailwheel leaf spring bracket

They aren't pretty. It does compress a little between the rubber pad and the spring.


Mine is deformed a little, as you can tell from the crappy photos. It measures 2.6" center to center on the bolt holes, the opening for the spring is 1.5" at the bottom of the opening and roughly 1.75" at the top, and the overall width is 3.4"

Mine is rough enough that it probably makes yours look factory

[mhorowit]

Re: tailwheel leaf spring bracket

What does the padding look like? -mike

[Laz]

Re: tailwheel leaf spring bracket

He is a strange deal. After I assembled my Lang tail wheel with my new Univare leaf springs I noitice the middle spring curve was less than the main spring. The amount of force needed to compress them together is substantial. Does this seem OK or has anyone else had this issue? The second picture is of what I believe are NOS Taylorcraft springs found at the Aero-Mart at Oshkosh. Notice the two top springs are thinner than the main. Any comments or help is always appreciated.

[Pearson]

Re: tailwheel leaf spring bracket

The setup in both of those pictures above appear to have problems. The leafs of the spring should lay together with no gaps. I think the picture attached below is from Rob Lees site. It shows how the springs should look.

[Laz]

Re: tailwheel leaf spring bracket

If you look at the picture of Roberts Tail Wheel Spring it does have the same gap issue as the one I posted without the Lang attached. What I was looking for is someone who has installed a new Univair set and to see if they had the same gap issue. At this point I will probably use the set with the thinner leafs ( just like Bob Lees). It just aggravates me that the Univair springs may not be correct.

Thanks for your help

[3Dreaming]

Re: tailwheel leaf spring bracket

New springs are going to be arched more. After they have been in use for a while they will likely conform to each other. I think the new Univair spring will be just fine after being clamped down. Tom

[cvavon]

Re: tailwheel leaf spring bracket

Had a leaf brake in what was the spring that was on plane was going to repair the spring with one leaf fron univair so i order the leaf that i needed but it was so different would not work so ordered the other two leafs that is when tail wheel shimmy problem started the new spring was curved different then the original witch threw off the way the tail wheel was set so as not to shimmy finally took old original bottom and top leaf and re-arched the center leaf from univair and the small spacer and made a spring that works out of two that has the right arch and no more shimmy

[d.grimm]

Re: tailwheel leaf spring bracket

Don't feel like the Lone Ranger on tailsprings with improper arch.
The Piper PA20 spring needs re-arched before use also.
Dave

[Laz]

Re: tailwheel leaf spring bracket

Thanks for the reply's. At least now I know the Univaire spring is what I thought. WRONG. The amount of compression that it would take to even fit it on the plane is crazy. Two years ago I watched a fried completely re-work a Univaire nose bowl. It was not even close to fitting the original grills. Don't get me wrong I am happy for anyone who can supply T-craft parts, but just don't understand why they can't be made to fit without mods. I will use the NOS springs I found. Thanks again for everyone's help. With luck this thing should fly in the spring. I have no more excuses, I retire at the end of the year.

[Forrest Barber]

Re: tailwheel leaf spring bracket

Tail spring bracket ; the drawing A-5027 shows the same u clamp from A to B to D ; all the same , main point is if that it be square and fit springs snug , the "pad" I use is cut from old intake tube rubbers from Cont. A-65 . OR use leather , NOTE: the original "pad" was #40 felt ........ The "dimples" are the secret to securing the spring. And yes there can be a gap when it is all drawn together on the sides . very small gap so it can be "snugged" up later if it all compresses Hope this helps . Ryan is proud of me that I can now attach drawings with out help!!!

[Laz]

Re: tailwheel leaf spring bracket

Thanks so much for the drawings Forest. They are a real help. When I fly this thing in the spring I will fly down so you can inspect my handy work.

Laz