Heavy Ailerons

[Av8r3400]

The feel of the ailerons on my plane is getting heavier, lately. Does anyone use some sort of lubricant on the bushings or turtle-deck split bearings to keep the feel light?

[jtpitkin06]

A difference in control feel is one of those insipid warning signals that makes my alert light illuminate.

You might do an inspection of the bearings, bushings and linkages to find the cause of the binding. Start with elimination. Disconnect one aileron linkage and see if the problem goes away. If not try the other side. If it’s still stiff, disconnect both sides and start chasing the problem.

And certainly, lube in the bearings/bushings can't hurt.


Let us know what you find.





John Pitkin
Greenville, TX

[DesertFox4]

I was told to use LPS 1 on the flapperon bearings. Something about not attracting dirt ect. Seems to work fine.

[jtpitkin06]

I'll be interested in hearing what Avieighter finds as it may be pertinent to other aircraft. If he finds a galling bushing causing the binding it could be a heads up even though it looks like an isolated incident. t doesn't sound serious now, but a jammed fight control could get my attention.

Just one of those things that makes you take a closer look.

On the subject of lube, I personally like the LPS family of products. The LPS1 is a "dry" lubricant that does not leave a sticky residue. Just don't get it on things you want to paint. The silicone makes horrible fish eyes.

LPS2 is a little heavier, more like a spray oil without the sticky goo.

LPS3 is great for corrosion protection. Almost like spray chain lube. Way better than that WD stuff.


John Pitkin
Greenville, TX

[jdmcbean]

LPS-1 is the preferred choice... And you may want to pull the seat and lube all the controls.. basically anything that moves... Also check for any rubbing of the flaperon control tube on the bottom of the seat... It operates very close to the seat.

[Av8r3400]

Annual time is coming (might start tonight), so I will inspect everything and get some LPS1 to lube the rod-ends and hinge bushings.

Thanks for the advise. I'll let everyone know what (if anything) I find amiss.

[Slyfox]

word of advice, wd40 is NOT a lubricant and will wear out your controls with use on such.

[Dvanlanen]

How about Corrosion-X lubricant? It was recommended to me for lubrication of control linkages when I was building a Zenith 601XL. Is it acceptable for lubricating control linkages on a Kitfox?

[Slyfox]

just stay away from wd40 all it's good for is for fishing. I guess

[Av8r3400]

Final verdict was the aileron push-rod was dragging on the bottom of the fiberglass seat pan. The seat pan was cracked at the reinforcement in the front. I repaired (and reinforced) the seat pan and lubed all the rod ends and joints with LPS1.




The ailerons are now less than fingertip light.