Reference

Flight Control System

• How do I know if my universal joint needs to be replaced?

  A universal joint attaches to each control yoke shaft behind the instrument panel. Universal joints are very precision. Replacement of the universal joint is required if any free motion or rust around the joint pivots is detected or if the joint fails inspection required by the Piper AD 2010-15-10.

• My Cessna 180/182/185 stabilizer trim is hard to turn or jams. How do I fix it?

  Clean the barrel and screw jack and re-apply a coating of MIL-PRF-23827 low temperature grease. The cam bushings that attach the jack screws must be properly adjusted so that both jack screw work as one unit. If the cam bushings are not adjusted correctly the jack screws can work against themselves causing a hard to turn situation. Please review the complete instructions.

• My Cessna 180/182/185 trim wheel will sometimes rotates out of position in flight, changing my trim setting. How can I fix this?

  The trim wheels on the Cessna 180, early 182 and 185 aircraft have a spring loaded trim wheel stop catch assembly that engages with a molded in ratchet on one side of the trim wheel. This system is designed to prevent unwanted trim wheel movement caused by air pressure on the horizontal stabilizer. If these stop catch assemblies are worn out, the trim wheel is free to rotate. McFarlane has replacement stop catch assemblies.

• Should I use stainless steel or galvanized high carbon steel flight control cables?

  There are advantages to both, see our article on this topic: Stainless Steel or Galvanized Steel Cable?