Nose wheel adjustment

[fastfred]

[QUOTE=Dave S;85797]Fastfred,

SO it doesn't matter if the pucks are loose and the gear drops down a bit when you take the nose up?

[Dave S]

Fastfred,

I wouldn't necessarily say it doesn't matter - depends - The elastomere springs are a separate item unaffected by the stop nut on the rod end below.

What you should have on top is 4 elastomere springs (pucks) and 4 plastic washers between the engine mount and bottom of the piston - above the engine mount there should be a rubber stop washer, a steel washer on top of that, a lock washer on top of the steel washer all held in place by an AN5-4A bolt.

When these things are first assembled - it takes a bit to compress the elastomere springs and the rubber stop washer. With use the s\prings take a bit of a set and with the nosewheel on the ground there normally is a little gap between the top of the engine mount spring pad and top bolt/rubber stop washer as the elastomere springs will be compressed a bit.

How much is too much or is something not quite right? Hard to answer without seeing the assembly first hand. I'd certainly check on the condition of the rubber stop washer and security of the top bolt. The fuselage should be resting level in any case when parked and not in a nose down position.

Also be aware that there is an old 2003 service bulletin #58 on the kitfox website regarding some cases of the piston rod binding inside the piston rod bearing in the engine mount pad - where that occurred in some aircraft, it's a builder error deal. If this isn't right the piston rod jams in the bearing. SB 58 has a good exploded drawing of the entire assembly and that may help with the concern.

Hope that helps some.

[fastfred]

Mine was factory built in2010 but it just doesn't look right with a half inch of play on the bolt . I guess I will raise it up and pull it apart.

Thanks for the input

[Dave S]

FF,

Since it was a factory built, I would expect that it is put together correctly.

1/2" might be OK

I'd verify with the factory before busting my knuckles. Might be just fine if sitting on the wheel.

[fastfred]

I wonder if the pucks are flattened out from sitting for 9 years?

[fastfred]

I think I figured it out The rubber stop washer is gone?