SonexBuilders.net

A question to those here who have constructed and used the S-curve/rod end design of the tail wheel linkage rod to the rudder. What rod ends, what size rod ends, what material was used for the S-curve? Did you use male or female rod ends? What size bolts/studs? I do want to construct mine and need some idea of what has worked and how well it has worked. My geometry is OK, but the mounting holes are slowly being enlarged due to angular forces durring landing (some of which is of my own making!)

A drawing with dimentions would help for sure. Thanks in advance!

I used 3/16 in. rod from the hardware store and bent it to shape. Threaded the ends and threaded on a stop nut and 3/16 bearings. used 3/16 bolts though the rudder horn and tail wheel tiller arm. The length of the bearings give a bit of adjustment to the rod length.

wlarson861 wrote:I used 3/16 in. rod from the hardware store and bent it to shape. Threaded the ends and threaded on a stop nut and 3/16 bearings. used 3/16 bolts though the rudder horn and tail wheel tiller arm. The length of the bearings give a bit of adjustment to the rod length.

Thats sounds ok, but did you use steel rod or aluminum rod? Do you have a brand name and part number for the rod ends you used? How many hours do you have on it? Grass or hard surface runways? thanks much for the fast reply!

Joe

Hi Joe, I make steering struts from 0.375 x 0.209 6061 tube tapped 1/4" UNF and fitted with 1/4" male rod ends. You can also use 0.375 solid rod, drilled and tapped. The rod end needs to be capable of a large arc because that titanium tail-spring can deflect a long way. The best rod ends are called "studded rod ends" which in Australia can be very expensive, but the ones I have bought are a US part so you might be able to buy them at a reasonable price. You can use a standard rod end if the bolt and nut used with the rod end are machined for extra clearance as in the photo - the bolt is just an Unbrake cap screw with the head machined down to 5/16" and the standard hex nut is also machined down to 5/16".
Peter

I bought mine from Peter without rod ends so I could use my own. Have not installed it yet but I like it.

Have a drawing of the one I made, PM me with your e-mail address. Note routing the connection to underside of the tail wheel's control arm will minimize tendency of deflection of the tail spring to steer the wheel to one side.

David A.

3/16 " steel rod and 3/16 heim bearings from ace hardware. Been in service since first flight so over 400 hours.

Hi all,
Making the tail wheel steering rod for waiex183. Couldnt find the hiem rod ends at local ace hardware, so ordered from ac spruce. 1/4/28 female thread, 1/4 bolt thru horns. Spruce had some nice seals it washers to go on rod end so ordered 4 , 2 each end, top & bottom. Also the stop nuts. I did get a 1/4 steel rod at ace, will cut to length and bend this weekend. And thread 1/4 /28. Thanks for the dimensions dave A.
Also ordered from flyboy accessories a machined tailwheel bolt so you can attach a hand towbar for ground ops. Flyboy should be coming out soon with a complete toe brake hyd pedals kit fashioned off john gillis design. Vince and blake, check them out at www.flyboyaccessories.com
WaiexN143NM
Michael