Rudder Pedal Upgrade

This blog covers the upgrade of the pilot's rudder pedals

Overview
The factory supplied a new set of upgraded front pedals to replace the existing pedals offering adjustments for the toe brakes and pedals combined with improved operation of the toe brakes. 

Installation
Removal of the existing pedals was straightforward except that the bolts holding the rod ends had thread lock applied at installation and it had seeped between the bolt shank and inside face of the rod end requiring a little heat to be applied.

The front pedals were painted then re-assembled ensuring removal of the locking pins with some other small issues requiring rectification to ensure smooth operation. 

A Century Springs compression spring CH-756 was installed as a trial to the rudder pedal to create assistance or backpressure when adjusting the rudder pedal position and this appears to assist the operation easier and will be installed once the springs are back in stock at the local hardware store.

New factory brake pedals
Note: spring fitted onto brake pedal

With the brake cylinder installed, BSP to NPT adapters were fitted with 3/16'' brass NSR elbows.

The rudder system was locked up as outlined in the previous blog about the rudder cable installation.

Next task was to fit the cranks this required polishing the mounting stubs on both pedals with 80 grit corundum paper with final finishing acheived with 240 grit wet & dry leaving the cranks capable of being fitted by hand.

Setting crank vertical
relative to top of
wheel well

Both pedals were installed, fixed to the rod ends with M6 bolts, cranks adjusted, squared, marked, removed to be cross drilled to suit AN3 bolts and de-burred. Loctite Anti- Seize was applied to the mating faces to prevent surface rust as items like these will weld together over time.

With all the items ready the bearing faces were greased,  assembled, checked and finally reinstalled.




Connecting Bolts

The original bolts connecting the pedals were manufactured to secure the rod end with NO thread in the rod end but removal was more difficult that envisioned. 

Again Titanium bolts provided a plain shank of adequate length with a hex head that was the factory's original design intent and were fitted with a S/S mudflap washer and spring washer for retention.

Note: No grade 8.8 bolts with a plain shank can be found.



Wheel Alignment
A bar was clamped across the front nose wheel and aligned as outlined in the blog on rudder cables.

Finished assembly

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The puppys happy