Rudder Return Springs

Ask Questions and Offer Advice Related to the Cessna 120 & 140 Type

Moderators: 6643, 6183, V529

Forum rules
You must be a member of the Cessna 120-140 Association in order to post new topics, reply to existing topics, or search for information on this forum. Use the "Join" link in the red menu bar.
8393
Posts: 7
Joined: Sat Feb 02, 2019 10:20 pm
Location: South Jersey
Name: Nathaniel F
Aircraft Type:
Occupation-Interests:
Contact:

Rudder Return Springs

Post by 8393 »

Does anyone happen to have any idea what the lengths, thicknesses and spring rates of the rudder return springs are? I've recently found that my plane appears to not have the Cessna specified springs. The cable tension seems excessively low (to the point rubbing on a fuselage former) and the spring rates of the springs that are in the aircraft are not equal at rest causing the resting position of the rudder to be non-centered (without the tailwheel steering springs attached).
8175
Posts: 57
Joined: Tue May 01, 2018 7:00 am
Name: Larry Lowenkron
Aircraft Type: Cessna 140A
Occupation-Interests:
Contact:

Re: Rudder Return Springs

Post by 8175 »

How about this? Had to make it a Word File. Let me know if you have trouble downloading it and I will send you a copy off line.
Larry Lowenkron
C140A
N5641C
Rudder Ret Springs.docx
(153.18 KiB) Downloaded 647 times
6298
Posts: 243
Joined: Tue May 01, 2018 7:00 am
Location: California
Name: Randy Thompson
Aircraft Type: Cessna 140
Occupation-Interests: Work on airplanes and engines
Contact:

Re: Rudder Return Springs

Post by 6298 »

Interesting and informative document. The left and right springs are different lengths on my 140’s.
Randy Thompson A&P IA Pilot
Hold STC SA547EA for installation of O-200 engine in Cessna 120/140 and 140A"s
Overhaul small Continentals
8175
Posts: 57
Joined: Tue May 01, 2018 7:00 am
Name: Larry Lowenkron
Aircraft Type: Cessna 140A
Occupation-Interests:
Contact:

Re: Rudder Return Springs

Post by 8175 »

Yes, the overall length is different, the free length is the same.

Larry Lowenkron
8393
Posts: 7
Joined: Sat Feb 02, 2019 10:20 pm
Location: South Jersey
Name: Nathaniel F
Aircraft Type:
Occupation-Interests:
Contact:

Re: Rudder Return Springs

Post by 8393 »

I couldn't have asked for anything better. Thanks!
6277
Posts: 231
Joined: Tue May 01, 2018 7:00 am
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Name: Ray Hunter
Aircraft Type: C-140
Occupation-Interests: Retired AF, B-17, UH-1, pilot for Yankee Air Museum
Contact:

Re: Rudder Return Springs

Post by 6277 »

If I remember correctly, they are not all that easy to replace and quite expensive to buy.
6277
Posts: 231
Joined: Tue May 01, 2018 7:00 am
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Name: Ray Hunter
Aircraft Type: C-140
Occupation-Interests: Retired AF, B-17, UH-1, pilot for Yankee Air Museum
Contact:

Re: Rudder Return Springs

Post by 6277 »

Springs are different for left and right. PN 0411837-1 and 0411837-2. Cost about $60 each.
User avatar
6643
Posts: 2338
Joined: Tue May 01, 2018 7:00 am
Location: KLCI
Name: John C
Aircraft Type: 1946 C140/C90
Occupation-Interests: A&P, semi-retired
Contact:

Re: Rudder Return Springs

Post by 6643 »

One rudder pedal shaft is forward of the other, so the springs have to be different lengths. The spring portion is the same on both so the tension is the same.
wisethk
Posts: 1
Joined: Mon May 11, 2020 7:00 pm
Name:
Aircraft Type:
Occupation-Interests:
Contact:

Re: Rudder Return Springs

Post by wisethk »

Hi,

I am unable to read the diameter of the spring on the document. could someone tell me what the diameter is?

Thanks
Kurt
8175
Posts: 57
Joined: Tue May 01, 2018 7:00 am
Name: Larry Lowenkron
Aircraft Type: Cessna 140A
Occupation-Interests:
Contact:

Re: Rudder Return Springs

Post by 8175 »

See note 3 - ".051 music wire"
Larry Lowenkron
Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 16 guests