FlyingGiants - View Single Post - Installing Bearings in Composite Arf Phenolic Hinges (Rudder/Elevator Hinges)...

reyn3545 · 02-01-2008, 10:21 PM

I just finished an Extreme Composites Edge 540, and felt there was too much slop in the elevators (the rudder is held pretty tight by the cables). The manual suggests an option to install bearings on the ends of each elevator.

I went to bocabearings.com and bought 2mm inside / 5mm outside bearings, and some 2mm carbon fiber rod to replace the metal rod. I haven't installed them yet, waiting on the carbon rods to arrive.

They say to just CA glue them in place, but I plan to use just a dab of Hysol. I guess the critical part will be drilling out the phenolic for the bearings.

By the way.. where can I find a step drill bit?

02-01-2008, 10:21 PM	#3
reyn3545 Bad-ass Super Contributer! Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Alpharetta, GA Age: 52 Posts: 5,506	Re: Installing Bearings in Composite Arf Phenolic Hinges (Rudder/Elevator Hinges)... I just finished an Extreme Composites Edge 540, and felt there was too much slop in the elevators (the rudder is held pretty tight by the cables). The manual suggests an option to install bearings on the ends of each elevator. I went to bocabearings.com and bought 2mm inside / 5mm outside bearings, and some 2mm carbon fiber rod to replace the metal rod. I haven't installed them yet, waiting on the carbon rods to arrive. They say to just CA glue them in place, but I plan to use just a dab of Hysol. I guess the critical part will be drilling out the phenolic for the bearings. By the way.. where can I find a step drill bit?