I believe the different sized (rate) steering springs was an attempt by
Maule to stop shimmy.

If the pivot is properly lubricated, then the pivot angle is the problem.
It must be at right angles to the ground under load. The force necessary to
make the tailwheel turn is much larger if the top of the pivot points toward
the front.
For planes that started out o.k., the spring to the fuselage is probably
bent and needs replacement or re-arching. Springs sag with old age.

If it looks good without a load, then the tailwheel attachment spring is too
soft and deflects to much when you climb aboard. This happens many times
when a leaf from the spring is removed in a well intentioned attempt to make
the plane ride better.

So check the angle with a normal passenger and fuel load. Then if the top of
the pivot points forward, you have two options. New complete spring set or
re-arch the old.
--
Cy Galley, TC - Chair, Emergency Aircraft Repair, Oshkosh
Editor, EAA Safety Programs
or

Always looking for articles for the Experimenter soon to be Sport Pilot

"Ron Webb" wrote in message
...
Marvin

My PA-20 has springs of different sizes on each side. A big stout one on
one
side and a lighter one on the other. I'm told that it is to eliminate the
resonance associated with shimmy.




"Marvin Barnard" wrote in message
...
I have trouble steering my homebuilt, which is simular of PA-20 and
suspect the steering springs are weak. Of coarse excessive tension would
be too much stress on the rudder steering yoke. Does anyone know the
correct spring rate for the steering springs on a PA-20?