Steering Rod Boots
FAQs for "Steering Rod Boots"
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my steering rods are working properly?
The Cessna steering system is an engineering masterpiece that is simple in function while allowing good directional control throughout the transition from flight to ground or ground to flight, even in crosswind conditions. A key part of this system is the steering rods. The steering rods are a spring loaded device that applies spring pressure to pull on one side of the nose gear when it is activated and yet have a specified amount of free play in the opposite direction until a solid push is required for positive steering.
The following are some common symptoms of worn out or failed steering rods:
- Weak steering (You can push on the rudder but not much happens and you have to use a lot of brake to steer. Often the weakness is one direction only.) The early Cessna steering rod springs were designed such that if the rudder pedal was pushed hard in one direction while the nose gear was pointed all the way the other direction and had some resistance to moving such as soft ground or snow, the spring could be compressed to an extent that it would be permanently shortened leaving it weak. McFarlane has redesigned the spring so this cannot happen.
- More or less than 1.2 inches of free play movement or inconsistent free play of the steering rod shaft is present. The spring is retained by a washer that was stop swaged into the steering rod housing. During an overload, such as extra hard pedal force applied with the nose wheel pointed all the way in the opposite direction and restricted or undetected damage from a previous hard landing, the spring retaining washer can be deformed and forced past the swaged stop. This will result in inconsistent free play and erratic function of the steering rod shaft as the washer passes past its designed swaged stop in both directions. The rudder rigging in flight might also be inconsistent. This is a dangerous situation that results in inconsistent steering and the steering rod must be replaced. McFarlane has redesigned the washer and shaft machining to prevent the washer stop failure.
- Rust and corrosion can make the steering rods unreliable. The steering rods get water and contaminates from the runway that the nose tire throws at them. The fit of the shaft into the bushing that is swaged into the housing is not a precision fit. This can allow internal contamination, moisture, and salt that will rust the springs and steel housing interior, leaving the components weak and subject to failure. Red rust streaking on the shaft exit area or bubbling of the exterior paint indicate corrosion failure. The McFarlane steering rods are made from 304 stainless steel and have a special corrosion preventative and lubricating coating on the springs to fight against corrosion and wear.
- Wear of the shaft and bushing is caused by steering movement and aerodynamic pulse vibrations created by the rotating propeller. This wear can be detected as looseness of the shaft in the end bushing. Some wear is acceptable.
The free play movement of my new steering rod has a little drag when I push it in and out. My old steering rod does not have much shaft drag. Is there something wrong with my new steering rod?
No. A little drag is expected and normal on a new McFarlane steering rod. The drag is caused by the thickness of the dry lubricant painted on the spring rubbing on the shaft. The drag is actually a good thing as it prevents vibration wear and will go away as the dry lubricant is worn in. The drag is acceptable when the weight of the spring and housing overcome the drag when the steering rod is held vertical by the threaded shaft.
What else can cause poor steering response besides the steering rods?
We have seen torn brackets on the rudder bar torque tube cause lose of rudder motion and steering movement. The earlier Cessna airplanes had less reinforcing of the rudder bar torque tubes where the steering rod attachment brackets are welded on than the later model airplanes. An overload of rudder pedal pressure or prior nose gear damage can cause failure of the bracket attachment. Inspect all of the rudder and steering system when poor steering authority is detected.
Steering Rod Boots for Cessna Aircraft
These bad boys can take the abuse!
The steering rod boots on the Cessna aircraft have a big job to do. They must keep out exhaust gases and prevent smoke and fumes from entering the cockpit in the event of an engine fire while tolerating the constant air pulses caused by the rotating propeller.
McFarlane steering rod boots are black Kevlar/fiberglass blend fabric. The fatigue resistance of Kevlar is uniquely mated with the fire resistance of fiberglass.
- Keeps the exhaust and carbon monoxide out of the cabin
- Protects the cabin in case of an engine fire
Nose Wheel Steering Bungee Boot and Hose Clamp
10 times the life at half the price!
Boot P/N MC0713666-1 and Hose Clamp P/N MCS2357-2S
McFarlane has improved the design of both the boot and the retaining flange. The Cessna boot is prone to ripping and tears caused by fatigue and premature infrared heat related material break down. We utilized a three ply material design incorporating both Kevlar and fiberglass, and a supple high temperature rubber coating. Kevlar and fiberglass work together to prevent wear, fatigue, and heat failures while providing extended fire protection at 2,000 degrees F. We also upgraded the original aluminum flange to a stainless steel firewall material. The flange is included with the boot.
- Kevlar/Fiberglass composite for strength and fire protection
- Fire proof stainless steel flange
- Deeper convoluted design for better flexibility and longer life
Don't Forget the Clamp!
Cessna failed to list the clamp in the parts catalog, therefore people tend to use a nylon cable tie which will easily melt away with an engine fire. Always use metal clamp P/N MCS2357-2S to attach the boot to the steering link.
2,000 deg F Flame Test
New original boot failed in 40 seconds
McFarlane boot still ready for more after 15 minutes!
Maintenance Tip:
Cessna 182 boot failure occurs from radiant heat off of the exhaust system and flexing with the steering system. Cessna original boots are manufactured with a fiberglass based material that offers poor resistance to flexing fatigue which causes premature boot failure.
The 182 boot must be free from holes and leaks to prevent carbon monoxide from entering the cabin. It is normal for the exhaust system to leak exhaust at the component joints. Leaks in the firewall will allow exhaust and carbon monoxide to enter the cabin.
Why choose McFarlane?
OUR PARTS ARE ENGINEERED TO LAST LONGER WHILE SOLVING KNOWN SAFETY ISSUES
OVER 40,000 PARTS IN STOCK WITH SAME DAY SHIPPING IF ORDERED BY 3PM
OUR TEAM PROVIDES THE OLD-FASHIONED CUSTOMER SERVICE THAT YOU EXPECT
