The Cessna 120-140 Association Forum

Happy new year all!

'47 C120

Just noticed that our left rudder pedals drop down to the floor, in the "neutral rudder" position. Rudder actuation seems unaffected. Is there some sort of spring/actuator that returns both pedals to neutral?

We've owned the aircraft for a year, but not 100% sure if that's how it's always been (just noticed it recently).

Safety issue (ground the airplane now), or cosmetic (can wait till next time in the shop)?

Thanks!

There are two springs under that center cover, near the firewall. The one on the left is either broken or disconnected.

6298 wrote: ↑Tue Dec 31, 2024 7:58 am There are two springs under that center cover, near the firewall. The one on the left is either broken or disconnected.

Thanks Randy ... I'll see if I can pop that cover off and take a closer look. Curious: do those springs affect the actual operation of the rudder?

6298 wrote: ↑Tue Dec 31, 2024 7:58 am There are two springs under that center cover, near the firewall. The one on the left is either broken or disconnected.

These....

I almost took a picture, but Dave beat me to it. Thanks!

The springs are different lengths because the pedals are mounted in different places. If they're reversed, or if they are the same length, the pedals won't center properly.

When you center the pedals, is the rudder centered?

Hi, Randy! Long time no hear!

Thank you all ... great information!

After taking the cover off, we saw that the right spring (left rudder pedals) had indeed, snapped, and dettached. We're having it replaced.

Johh ... to your question: if you center the pedals, the rudder is, indeed, centered properly, so no issue there.

Happy new year!

-1 is left, -2 is right.

6643 wrote: ↑Tue Dec 31, 2024 6:41 pm rudder_springs_135.jpg

-1 is left, -2 is right.

Yup ... -2 on order! Lucky for us, it's the cheaper one