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Thread: Stiff ailerons

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Aug 2021
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    Sublimity , OR
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    38

    Default Stiff ailerons

    The ailerons on my KF 5 seem stiff even after disconnecting the linkage.

    Is it possible to remove the aileron spar and polish the hinge points without disassembling the entire part?

    Are there nylon bushings fitted to the hinges?

  2. #2
    Senior Member
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    Aug 2008
    Location
    Harvard, IL
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    340

    Default Re: Stiff ailerons

    Have you tried lubing the hinges with LPS 1? I know of no way to disassemble the flaperon without pretty much destroying it. I believe the aluminum skin is bonded to the foam core. I suppose it's possible but not something I myself would undertake.

    Rick

  3. #3
    Senior Member PapuaPilot's Avatar
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    Nov 2013
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    Nampa, Idaho
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    1,227

    Default Re: Stiff ailerons

    Quote Originally Posted by bumsteer View Post
    Have you tried lubing the hinges with LPS 1?

    Rick
    That is what I would do first. It makes quite a difference.
    Phil Nelson
    A&P-IA, Maintenance Instructor
    KF 5 Outback, Cont. IO-240
    Flying since 2016

  4. #4
    Senior Member jiott's Avatar
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    Jun 2010
    Location
    Portland, OR
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    2,966

    Default Re: Stiff ailerons

    Sometimes even though you were really careful in accurately placing all the hinge hardware, one or more hinges will want to rub against the side of its slot. If that happens it may add unwanted friction. Unbolt that hinge and with pliers/vicegrips carefully bend a slight "S" curve in that hinge tab to re-center it.
    I agree, LPS1 is the proper lubricant to use-get it into the small holes in the hinges.
    Jim Ott
    Portland, OR
    Kitfox SS7 flying
    Rotax 912ULS

  5. #5
    tdldedcd's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2019
    Location
    Murrieta, CA
    Posts
    69

    Default Re: Stiff ailerons

    I agree with the LPS1. It really made a significant difference for my ailerons. They were pretty stiff after rigging, but after a shot of LPS 1 on each, they were butter smooth!
    Todd Downing
    SS7 458LK
    Building
    G3X
    915is, Airmaster prop

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