I Need a Fast Answer Please...

[Ron~FordTech]

Tail slider assembly.

Yesterday @ the field, something came apart. The particulars don't matter -- and luckily it was NOT as catastrophic as it should have been -- but now I have a tiny puzzle that I've not had to deal with before:

There is a black sleeve (they call it a bushing) http://www.aligntrexstore.com/600PRO-Tail-Shaft-Slide-Bush-H60238_p_817.html that passes thru the bearing mount http://www.aligntrexstore.com/Metal-Bearing-mount-H60195_p_794.html and into the pitch assembly/froglegs http://www.aligntrexstore.com/Metal-Tail-Pitch-Assembly-H60077A_p_735.html. It appears to attach those two components together. And since it is available for purchase separately...it seems logical to assume that it threads or presses into the froglegs. But it's curious that the froglegs are therefore not available for separate purchase as well. Hmmm.

Anyway, I am missing most of that black sleeve, and as a result the froglegs are no longer connected to the bearing mount...and thence to the rudder system. They just flop around with no control.

I could solve my problem with the purchase of a complete new assembly...but I wonder...

If indeed the sleeve is threaded on the end that passes into the froglegs -- or is ridged for a press fit -- it would seem that it'll fix my problem if all I have to do is screw or press my froglegs onto that.

The solution please, gentlemen?

[fastflyer20]

Replace the complete slider, you get all new bearings plus the new slider part and the frog legs are free! Make sure that it has a smooth action upon assembly, I have had to drill out the plastic arms a few thousands of a inch for a proper fit. You can also get the KDE upgrade that replaces the plastic links with aluminum arms and bearings.

[mtuccio]

Just pick up a complete tail slider assembly and you should be good to go. Here is a link to the part:

http://helidirect.com/align-metal-tail-pitch-assembly-h60077a-t-rex-550-600e-600n-p-24243.hdx

Hope this helps....:thumbup:

[Ron~FordTech]

Alright! So I will take the advice & replace the assembly.

Meanwhile...

Since ALIGN does sell the bushing by itself, they obviously intend for people to replace it. Under what circumstances would an owner purchase just the bushing? And what would be the process for replacing just the bushing? I'm curious.

And thanks so much, gentlemen!

P.S.: that assembly is $21.99 + 13% tax = $24.85 where I live :( and with the entire basement (including the washing machine) covered in dis-assembled helis and tools...I can't wait for a cross-border delivery.

[mtuccio]

Alright! So I will take the advice & replace the assembly.

Meanwhile...

Since ALIGN does sell the bushing by itself, they obviously intend for people to replace it. Under what circumstances would an owner purchase just the bushing? And what would be the process for replacing just the bushing? I'm curious.

And thanks so much, gentlemen!

P.S.: that assembly is $21.99 + 13% tax = $24.85 where I live :( and with the entire basement (including the washing machine) covered in dis-assembled helis and tools...I can't wait for a cross-border delivery.

Align sells the bushings for all helis because it is a wear item in the tail. Over time the bushing will get a noticable amount of slop and at this point needs to be replaced. The "frog legs" as you call them are not considered to be a wear item. The bearing holder and the tail grip links are also considered to be wear items. Sorry that you need to buy the whole deal but I can't think of anyone that just sells the "frog leg" part as you call it....:thumbup:

[koppterx]

while you are at it, HD sells a really nice upgrade to the brass bushing - all metal with bearings on each end. cost is about $13.

[shein95]

Don't forget rotorquest. They're on your side the border and have good stock.

[Ron~FordTech]

Yup - I've ordered the complete assembly from RQ.

And...since that decision has been made -- and the machine is DEFINTELY unflyable as it is -- I pulled off the frogleg to have a closer look at it. Sure enough - the remnant of the bushing is stuck inside the hole. And a few attempts to extract it (and preserve the frogleg) were futile; it's destroyed.

Thank you for the fast & helpful feedback!