View Single Post
  #8  
Old August 26th 19, 04:56 PM posted to rec.aviation.soaring
Craig Funston[_3_]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 129
Default Discus 2 rudder stiff help please

On Monday, August 26, 2019 at 7:05:05 AM UTC-7, wrote:
Is the gap between the rudder and fin skin OK? Check it by sliding 80 grit sandpaper in the gap with smooth side towards the rudder. Run it all the way up and down on both sides, all gaps should be free, sand till it is.Spray lube both hinge points.
JJ


JJ, it's likely there are "V" seals in addition to the standard mylar seals.. Running sandpaper in the gap will likely destroy those seals.

Ian, the rudder comes off fairly easily with just removal of a single nut at the bottom of the rudder. I haven't looked specifically at the Discus, but if it's like all the other SH aircraft I've worked on, there's a castellated nut secured by a cotter pin. The cotter pin can be accessed by pushing the rudder to full deflection. Once the nut is off the rudder can be shifted upward and it will come off the hinge pins. It's helpful to remove the rudder cables first.

It may be time for new V-seals or cleaning and lubrication of the plain bearings. There's no mechanical reason why it should be stiff.

Hope all goes well. If there's any question, get it to an aircraft mechanic for some help.

Cheers,
Craig