Bearhawk LSA Annual Inspection

[stinger]

Annual inspection 135 hrs. Upon inspection I found rod end bearing GMM-3m-680 jam nut loose and rod end rotating inside push pull rod threaded area. NOT GOOD . Stick movement left and right caused bearing outer surface to make contact with inside of idler bell crank causing it to come loose. Repair: installed spacers , one on each side of rod bearing , however spacers must not touch side of bearing restricting it's movement. Area of concern Red rod end. May also be of interest to Patrol . Stinger

[BTAZ]

bearing joggle 2.jpg I asked Bob about this when I built mine and his response was "Leave it loose and lubricate the threads".

I wasn't comfortable with that so joggled the ears out about 1/8" on either side and use some spacers(made from tubing) so the rod end could be fixed with the lock nut and provide enough rotation without touching the ears.

I faintly remember there being a discussion on here at the time.

Attached is a photo. Upon final assembly, I replaced the washers shown with short pieces of tubing.

[stinger]

Good Morning, I agree , I felt it was a very dangerous . The picture looks like I spread a lot but it is actually 1/8 also. Stinger

[spinningwrench]

I welded up a new, wider swing hangar which gives clearance to the rod end bearing in its extreme positions. Wasn’t comfortable leaving the rod end loose or bending out the ears on the weldment.

[stinger]

Good job, of course I did not originally see the area of concern I would have followed your lead . Stinger

[Patrol28]

I used 3/4 .049 for the vertical with no joggle in my flat plates. I don't normally venture away from the plans but I saw potential misalignment problems. I machined some .190 misalignment spacers for each side.

[stinger]

Good Eye , keep plugging along . Stinger

[Craig Van Sickle]

Good info, thanks guys. Will take note.