Tail spring

[6843]

Hi All. Happy Hew Year!

I am rebuilding my tail wheel and replacing the rubber in the spring attachment. Parts 57 & 58 shown on the attached appear to be loose fitting brackets that help keep the springs in alignment. The question is how loose? I can tighten the bolt (#59) to pull the sides of the brackets in against the springs but I'm guessing the sides of the brackets should be 90 degrees to their tops and have side-to-side play. The brackets also have top to bottom play (I didn't measure but maybe as much as 1/4 inch).

How is your's set-up?

Thanks,
Dave

Cessna 140 Tail Spring.pdf

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[6643]

Part 58 is supposed to set the width of the bracket. Tighten the bolt just enough to hold them (57 ad 58) together without distorting them. It should be loose enough so the spring leaves can bend independently of each other.

The brackets also have top to bottom play (I didn't measure but maybe as much as 1/4 inch).

Is part 58 upside down? I can't say for sure as my plane was missing that part and the way I ended up doing it may not be stock.

I think Neal Wright may have addressed this in one of his articles.
[Edit] Yes, here. According to this, you can't install 58 upside down. The one I made goes on the inside.

[6277]

There is a small anti-slide button that fits in part 57. It fits into the tail spring and keeps the bracket from sliding fore and aft. Part 58 keeps the chains from getting hung up. This button is often missing and can be easily made using a small button head bolt with a washer and lock nut. You might have to grind or file the head to fit into the hole in the spring.