Taifun Frozen Bearings on Wing Control Hook-Up

 Summary:  Thread discussing frozen bearings on wing control hook-up.

Subject: Taifun frozen bearings on wing control hook-up
From: jmaki <jmaki@
Date: 7/13/11 9:50 AM
To: "Taifun17E@yahoogroups.com" <Taifun17E@yahoogroups.com>

Hello Cornelia and Taifun Group,

I have recently come across a problem during annual (being performed by Eric Sweeney at Auburn Airplane Works in California - cc'ed here).
All 12 of the bearings attached to the bellcranks mounted in the wing root (6 each side) that automatically mate to the aileron, flap, and dive brake pushrods are frozen. Unclear how long, as I have never noticed, but likely a long time (but luckily no significant metal wear). Penetrating oil has minimal effect - can turn with vice grip a tiny bit, but won't loosen.
Has anyone ever had this problem? Seems odd all 12 bearings have frozen up. Are these bearings available from Korff? Or are they some standard bearing we can find? Or is it necessary to replace the entire bellcrank assembly? To get them apart requires extensive disassembly which we want to delay until we have more information.
If anyone has experience or has knowledge of this it would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you

Jeff Maki N39MA

Subject: Re: Taifun frozen bearings on wing control hook-up
From: jmaki <jmak
Date: 7/19/11 3:41 PM
To: jmaki <jmaki@
CC: "Taifun17E@yahoogroups.com" 

Regarding this, I heard from Cornelia at KORFF that these bearings are press fit and do not necessarily rotate. So not a problem - but should be lubed.

Another more serious problem has arisen, however, that I wondered if anyone has dealt with: where the telescoping rod attaches to my right wing, it is a little bit loose. After disassembly and inspection there is fatigue of the fiberglass in the wing rib where this attaches, and the fiberglass needs to be repaired. Has anybody encountered this, or have an approved "fix" for the fiberglass in this area?

Thanks,
Jeff "Grounded Again" Maki

Subject: Re: [Taifun17E] Re: Taifun frozen bearings on wing control hook-up
From: Haim Zaklad <zakhaim@cn0oNlTNZy6RlxK5veZQ6Zc285T3mzj2YqSXCIfixjcqC99VzALUB2-MiLybFWE1yrkO8ci_q-9tBjR4.yahoo.invalid>
Date: 7/19/11 10:10 PM
To: Taifun17E@yahoogroups.com

This is a known problem. prior to purchase in Germany, Cornelia Korff inspected our Taifun and found this defect. The repair was made in her shop at Mainbullau, quickly and effectively, and it held up well for the past 11 years. She is a pro.
Haim

Subject: RE: [Taifun17E] Taifun frozen bearings on wing control hook-up
From: "Fred Bonar" <fbonar@CvK7LCsA9QWUh6QkXWgOG0yizp3iRQsijh3_2ATQ-acjsrecdA6Bn8xXvps58woXQ4DscJXG-xnlivMwBws.yahoo.invalid>
Date: 7/13/11 10:09 AM
To: <Taifun17E@yahoogroups.com>

Jeff

I had a bearing problem with the yoke on the prop pitch change thrust plate. Took the number off the case of the bearing and got an equivalent from King Bearing in San Bernardino. They have changed their name but can dig it up if you like.

Fred

Subject: Re: [Taifun17E] Re: Taifun frozen bearings on wing control hook-up
From: "Peter S. Lert" <pslert@wYkr-s0MJnZW9sUGZzpKITmM6zAdZzUe74gp7tw2oMuY4JUZg5WYRXx483CKshfi2VMpwFrc.yahoo.invalid>
Date: 7/20/11 8:53 AM
To: Taifun17E@yahoogroups.com

Hello, all---

For those in the Seattle area (I assume Jeff is around there somewhere based on his UWash email address), I can think of no one better qualified for fiberglass work than Chris Klix at Pacific Aero Sport in Arlington (chris@yaqM2JwT4T1eUHWkjKtw223u0E8rqQJLNPBN7n4WO4lD0Pg4h1x1fuQbELVMCPMsMxQH59bE1-0286KyAGFfG0I.yahoo.invalid). Give him my regards and tell him I'll bring my Taifun up to be refinished as soon as I win the lottery. Hmmm...better buy a ticket...

regards,

Peter Lert

PS--Installed the Green Sky Adventures mixture control kludge on my dual Bings and it seems to work, after a fashion. Not that much EGT rise, but I can lean until it runs rough, so something must be happening.

On 7/19/2011 10:10 PM, Haim Zaklad wrote:
>
>
> This is a known problem. prior to purchase in Germany, Cornelia Korff inspected our Taifun and found this defect. The repair was made in her shop at Mainbullau, quickly and effectively, and it held up well for the past 11 years. She is a pro.
> Haim
>