Elevator pushrod rubs on snap bushings

[gammaxy]

My elevator pushrod rubs on the snap bushings in the rear fuselage. It is most noticeable with the elevator near full up travel. I installed the dial-a-trim system and believe the spring might be pulling the pushrod against the bushings, although I expect I would still get some rubbing without the spring.

The rubbing doesn't seem to be a safety issue. The problem is when I'm on the ground and move the stick through certain positions, the rubbing sound reverberates through the fuselage and I fear a casual onlooker might think I built the airplane in my basement or something.

Anyone deal with this issue after closing the fuselage? I feel like some way of reducing the friction between the snap bushings and the pushrod might help, but am cautious about ending up with a slimy mess if I grease the pushrod at each bushing.

[falvarez]

I'm pretty sure the plans call for grease at those 2 bushing locations.

[SonexN76ET]

Grease the bushings. The snap bushings are guides for the push rod. You wont hear any squeeking in the air, but you may on the ground. However, the grease works great in reducing the sound. Before my FAA inspection, my EAA technical counselor inquired about the contact between the push rod and the snap bushings. I checked with Sonex and they said that contact is normal and as it should be. They recommended grease to reduce the squeeking.

[gammaxy]

Good to know. I'll grease my bushings. Thanks guys.

[Sonex1462]

Thanks, I have the same thing and was about to ask myself.
John Stewart
Sonex 1462

[gammaxy]

I finally greased the bushings. Turns out it was the rear bushing doing most of the squeaking. I was able to climb all the way back there and grease the bushing for immediate improvement.