Tri-Gear Nose Wheel Steering Problem

[Sonex548TB]

Hello all,
My name is Paul. I'm a brand new owner of a Sonex Tri-Gear. I purchased a completed project and have noticed that when taxiing, the airplane will not turn left anymore. It seems as if this happened and got progressively worse over the last couple hours of flight. Upon inspection, I can't find anything bent or out of place. (spring not broken, correct springs installed) It has a push/pull rod with springs on both sides. Looks a little cheap to me..Has anyone added a bell crank and extra push rod for the other side? Any feedback appreciated...Thanks!

[tonyr]

Hi

Have you carefully checked the engine mount for cracks? They're hard to see with the black powder coating. You don't mention what engine you have but I believe the 3300 mount was prone to cracking around the nose gear tube, SNX-SB-007 is still current. (http://www.sonexaircraft.com/support/servicebulletins.html)
I wouldn't be surprised if an Aerovee or Jab 2200 nose gear mount also cracked.
Could explain why you have problems when the mechanism looks fine, if the crack is opening up with left rudder?

Cheers
Tony

[Sonex548TB]

Thanks Tony, I will inspect that area and update what I find..

[tonyr]

No worries, the other thing you could do is have someone feed in left rudder while you look at the rod movement, nose gear tube and engine mount area to see if you can spot where the problem is.
Good luck!
Cheers
T