Rudder Jam

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[From the Webmaster: I came across this on the Van's RV forums site (http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=69225), and even though it's a second-hand account I thought it was important enough to post. Comments welcome.]

While warming the oil and doing pre take off checks the rudder locked solid in a full left deflection. More accurately the rear linear guide bearing galled and jammed solid the left side rudder pedal tube fully forward. No amount of leg pressure would free it, so [the pilot] shut down on the spot. The AC was towed back to the hangar and more work was in order. Long story short, if you know anybody who flies or owns a G202, politely share this incident and have them pay close attention to the guide bearings and tube assemblies that the rudder pedals slide fore and aft in. Apparently MX has switched to using teflon bushings in place of the linear guide bearings. My friend had some custom teflon bushings made for him. Thankfully all is now well.

Hi all, I am not 100% sure

Vittorio Primultini's picture

Hi all,

I am not 100% sure the bearings in question are the same, but I recall a CAP 232 having the same problem. The reason why the bearing locked was dirt that had built up in the lower part of it. The factory solved the problem installing a set of brushes (like tooth brush) directly forward and aft of the pedal in order to keep the bearings cleen.

Hope this help.
Vittorio

Work in progress.

Rudder Jam

Thank you for sharing the story. I've never noticed any problems but will definitely look out. Where does one get Teflon bushings produced?

Best, Lars