The Cessna 120-140 Association Forum

I'm looking to replace the elevator cables at some point this year and I'm looking for tips (and images please) on how to best access the pulleys... As I'm assuming that the new cable fittings wont pass through the pulleys with the cable guards on them?

Does this mean heading on down the rear fuselage? How on earth do you not get stuck in there! or not damage the skins or existing cables

Many thanks

First, find someone small to do it for you. Second, get some old cushions from a chair or a heavy "comforter" to lay on the bottom of the fuselage.

Don't worry about damaging the existing cables; more likely they will damage you...

This is not an easy operation.
The pullies in question are most easily accessed by removing the horizontal stabilizor.
This of course requires the removal of the rudder and vertical stabilizor.
Once it is opened up the new cables can be installed by attaching the new cable to the old one and pulling it through.
I would suggest replacing the pullies along with the cables. I just replaced all of the cables and pullies on the 140 that I am working on and found one of the elevator pullies was frozen and not turning. The new pullies from McFarlane all have sealed bearings that should last the life of the airplane.
Unless you have a ten foot extension for your ratchet you will have to crawl into the fuselage to insert the two bolts that secure the leading edge of the horizontal stab.

Good luck,

Rick