Jump to content
Touring Motor Gliders Association (TMGA)
  • Brake Adjustments


    Ethan Graham

     Abstract:  How to adjust brakes to work well in both directions.


    Subject: Brake adjustments
    From: "Ray" <jb92563
    Date: 3/15/09 2:36 PM
    To: G109_Pilots@yahoogroups.com

    How are the rudder brakes adjusted?

    It seems that my left brake works fine but the right one does seem to engage at the end of the right rudder travel.  Both brakes DO engage together via the spoiler handle.  I am thinking that the linkage needs adjusting but do not know where to look.  Under the seat?

    Ray


    Subject: Re: [G109_Pilots] Brake adjustments
    From: Bill Knoll
    Date: 3/15/09 4:53 PM
    To: G109_Pilots@yahoogroups.com

    Under the seat is correct. I believe you can acccess the adjustment through the stick opening (just remove the stick cover - 4 screws).



    Subject: Re: [G109_Pilots] Brake adjustments
    From: Richard Pearl
    Date: 3/15/09 5:19 PM
    To: G109_Pilots@yahoogroups.com

    I suggest taking the whole seat out (actually, remove them both) to see what's down there. Everything will become clear. I've got the 109 "A" and assume the "B" is similarly set up. Have you checked to make sure that there's no air in the brake line?

    Richard



    Subject: Re: [G109_Pilots] Brake adjustments
    From:
    Date: 3/15/09 9:13 PM
    To: <G109_Pilots@yahoogroups.com>

    Well it sounds as if it is indeed time to remove the seats and also check the fluid levels.I have had the whole insides out several times and done some patch work on the flimsy center consol. Good luck! Paul



    Subject: Re: [G109_Pilots] Re: Brake adjustments
    From:
    Date: 3/16/09 12:44 PM
    To: <G109_Pilots@yahoogroups.com>

    I was taught some sixty plus years ago to NOT leave the parking brake on unless it really was necessary! You can check when they are unlocked by a visual of the clearance on the pucks. They should not be firmly on the braking surface. Good luck! Paul
    ----- Original Message -----
    From: Ray
    To: G109_Pilots@yahoogroups.com
    Sent: Monday, March 16, 2009 7:54 AM
    Subject: [G109_Pilots] Re: Brake adjustments

    Good to know,

    I will check this out and make the adjustment.

    Oddly, everything was working fine last time I flew but it has been sitting for 5 months with the parking brake on.

    Perhaps the parking brake is not good to leave on that long?

    It will likely become clear when I take the seat out and look at the brake fluid level and adjustment.

    Thanks for the tips,

    Ray
    G-109A



    Subject: Re: [G109_Pilots] Re: Brake adjustments
    From: Richard Pearl
    Date: 3/16/09 12:55 PM
    To: G109_Pilots@yahoogroups.com

    My IA also advised me not to set the parking brake. If a good set of chocks and tie downs can't stop the plane from moving, you've got bigger problems.

    I've got a problem with the push-in "gizzmo" on the parking brake lever being essentially frozen. I've tried the normal things (lubricant, use of pliers, etc.). Anyone else experience this?

    Richard



    Subject: Re: [G109_Pilots] Re: Brake adjustments
    From: Richard Pearl
    Date: 3/16/09 1:12 PM
    To: G109_Pilots@yahoogroups.com

    Thanks. I'll try it later this week.

    Richard



    Subject: Re: [G109_Pilots] Re: Brake adjustments
    From:
    Date: 3/16/09 1:04 PM
    To: <G109_Pilots@yahoogroups.com>

    SIT in the plane and push as hard as you can on the brake pedal then push the "gizmo" in! Should work! Paul



    Subject: Re: Brake adjustments
    From: "Ray" <jb92563
    Date: 3/16/09 7:54 AM
    To: G109_Pilots@yahoogroups.com

    Good to know,

    I will check this out and make the adjustment.

    Oddly, everything was working fine last time I flew but it has been sitting for 5 months with the parking brake on.

    Perhaps the parking brake is not good to leave on that long?

    It will likely become clear when I take the seat out and look at the brake fluid level and adjustment.

    Thanks for the tips,

    Ray
    G-109A



    Subject: re: brakes
    From: "Stu Ostrander" <saberraider24
    Date: 3/16/09 9:52 PM
    To: G109_Pilots@yahoogroups.com

    I posted a group of pictures of the components under the seats and center console. The master cylinders are clearly visible. Access is easy but pictures on the computer sometimes aid in recall before heading out to the airplane.

    I assume Ray's brake issue is resolved by now but I find pictures help refresh my memory later as to layout, etc.



    Subject: Re: [G109_Pilots] Re: brakes
    From:
    Date: 3/17/09 8:05 AM
    To: <G109_Pilots@yahoogroups.com>

    YES! Paul
    ----- Original Message -----
    From: Ray
    To: G109_Pilots@yahoogroups.com
    Sent: Tuesday, March 17, 2009 7:17 AM
    Subject: [G109_Pilots] Re: brakes

    I guess those 4 grommets in the seats is where the 1/4 turn lock screws are located?

    Ray



    Subject: Re: [G109_Pilots] Re: brakes
    From: Richard Pearl
    Date: 3/17/09 8:35 AM
    To: G109_Pilots@yahoogroups.com

    If you're going to open everything up, I would also suggest bleeding the brake lines to eliminate any trapped air in the lines. You've got to release the cables from the cylinders (label which one is on top) and disconnect the spring from the rear panel. I use a small oil "gun" with the appropriate plastic tubing. Remember to use the appropriate brake fluid.

    Richard



    Subject: Re: brakes
    From: "Ray" <jb92563
    Date: 3/17/09 7:14 AM
    To: G109_Pilots@yahoogroups.com

    Thanks for the pics Stu,

    I have not taken the seats out yet so your pictures are very usefull to understand what is going on in there.

    Ray



    Subject: Re: brakes
    From: "williamberson" <whodunit
    Date: 3/17/09 9:16 AM
    To: G109_Pilots@yahoogroups.com

    The brake cylinder at the wheel usually needs to be serviced about every 5 years or so. Remove the piston and clean the corrosion inside and install a new $2 O-ring. Then add new DOT-3 brake fluid as Richard suggested.
    Bill


    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments

    There are no comments to display.



    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

    Guest
    Add a comment...

    ×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

      Only 75 emoji are allowed.

    ×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

    ×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

    ×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.


×
×
  • Create New...