Installing tailwheel spring rod into BH5

[N204jh]

I’m installing the Bearhawk tailwheel assembly which has the heavy round steel spring rod. How have folks installed the rod into the fuselage and tailwheel assembly? Mine doesn’t fit into either part, not even a little into either opening. Since it’s a solid steel rod going into steel fuselage, it’s not a simple reaming job. And I’m hesitant to bring out the big drilling equipment.

Also, being steel, what are people using for rust protection? I was going to use some black Rustoleum.

I couldn’t find anything about this in any of the manuals or on the forum. Sorry if I’m missing something obvious.

Thanks, John

[U2fletch]

I had to do some cleanup of primer and weld splatter on the inside of the fuselage tube. Used some emory cloth wrapped around a tube. After that, it required some polishing of the rod to get the clearances manageable. From there, it required judicious wiggling/rotating of the rod to get it into position. I also was generous with some lube. Once it came time to assemble for good, I took everything apart and did a major degreasing of the tube and rod. Then used some Red loctite bushing repair to hopefully prevent any future movement of the rod in the tube. I have heard that the rod can try to rotate in the tube under side loads and slowly hog out the bolt/hole.

[N204jh]

Thank you, Jeff!

[Nev]

Black Rustoleum worked for me and has held up fine for 5 years. Sorry, can't help with fitment issues, mine fit fine right out of the box. The rest - what U2fletch said above. Loctite red is your friend

[jaredyates]

You definitely want a very tight no-paint fit there.

[Bearhawk Aircraft]

The Tail rod will be really tight. We machine them to high tolerance for a reason. If you are going to polish go slow and test fit a few times. It will never get tighter after installation so remember that.

[N204jh]

Tailwheel installed! Cleaned out both holes with some acetone, but no dremel grinding. It was tight, but the rubber mallet got it done.

Thanks, everyone!