601-XLB - 600 hrs - top rudder hinge rivets loose. Noticed a bit of play lately - barely noticeable by pushing up on the bottom of the rudder at the tip. I thought it was a bit of wear at the hinge bolt. It seemed much worse today. Just took a closer look and the rivets holding the top hinge to the rudder are loose - noticeable movement between the two.  Red X - Code 3 - Grounded.

So now the rudder needs to come off - I think.  Wondering if I can replace the rivets without removing it.  Do it one at a time by turning the rudder to either side.  I am looking for advice to check for rivet hole wear.  How do I know if I need to go up to the next size rivets?

Assuming it needs to come off, I am looking for advice on the rudder cables - I assume I need to loosen the turnbuckles and take the pressure off first.  Then for reassembly I will need to re-tension - what are people using for cable tension meters?  My A&P does it in condition inspections but he is not around. 

Views: 206

Comment

You need to be a member of Zenith Aircraft Builders and Flyers to add comments!

Join Zenith Aircraft Builders and Flyers

Comment by Merrill Harriman on April 11, 2023 at 2:50pm
Ended up pulling the rudder. All holes looked good - not over sized - Only 1 was a little larger but well with the rivet spec for hole diameter. All cable tensions were off so had to do all of them. I borrowed a tool but have the preferred tool on order - they are saying 5 months back order.
Comment by Patrick Hoyt on February 7, 2023 at 1:50pm

This is what I use to measure cable tension:  CABLE GAUGE BT33-75D

Suggest pinging Zenith on next steps.  If it were my airplane I'd take the rudder off to replace the rivets, and I'd take a good look at all the other rivets in that area, as well as the hinge points.

- Pat

New from Zenith:

Zenith Planes For Sale 
 

Classified listing for buying or selling your Zenith building or flying related stuff...


Custom Instrument Panels
for your Zenith
:

Custom instrument panels are now available directly from Zenith Aircraft Company exclusively for Zenith builders and owners. Pre-cut panel, Dynon and Garmin avionics, and more.


Zenith Homecoming Tee:


Zenair Floats


Flying On Your Own Wings:
A Complete Guide to Understanding Light Airplane Design, by Chris Heintz


Builder & Pilot Supplies:

Aircraft Insurance:

 
 

West Coast USA:

 
Pro Builder Assistance:

 

Transition training:

Lavion Aero

K&S Aviation Services

Aircraft Spruce & Specialty for all your building and pilot supplies!

How to videos from HomebuiltHELP.com

Developed specifically for Zenith builders (by a builder) these videos on DVD are a great help in building your own kit plane by providing practical hands-on construction information. Visit HomebuiltHelp.com for the latest DVD titles.

© 2024   Created by Zenith.Aero.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service