Problem with KDE V2 performance tail upgrade on Trex 700E

[davep]

Anyone using the KDE v2 Performance Tail upgrade (works for 550/600/700)
http://www.kdedirect.com/TREX550600700PTUV2.html
I am having trouble getting this to assemble without binding. The problem is in the connection between the upgraded aluminum link and the tail pitch slider, not with the connection to the blade grips. To get the bolts tight enough through the brass bushings so as they won't come out in flight causes binding on the tail linkage when it is at max pitch towards the tail casing/gearbox. Loctite blue is being used on all bolts.
The only options I have come up with is either to file the aluminum links very slightly so that they don't bind on the tail slider when the bolts are tightened, or alternatively to put a longer bolt through this piece and use a nyloc nut to ensure that they don't come out in flight even if they are not cinched down tight on the pitch slider. I have stripped down this tail (and the one on my 550E) three times trying to get rid of this binding at full pitch, but to no avail. I can get a reasonably free linkage with the supplied plastic links, but these are known to get sloppy pretty quickly so I don't really want to use these.
Any thoughts on the best solution? Will the longer bolts and nyloc nuts cause any out of balance situation in the tail (Not sure why this would be the case as both sides would be the same.) I have pinged Patrick at KDE as well.

Thanks
Dave

[edsel.labao]

Do a search here in the 700 forum. It has been discussed extensively. I even wrote a detailed review on it.

[tribe3]

I had a set with the same problem. I filed it down in the wrong place because I misunderstood the problem and finally abandoned them... A couple of weeks later I ordered another set of the KDE V2 for my Trex 600 but first tried them on my 700 again and they fit perfect without any binding. I think they have different batches...

The problem was not in the thickness of the link where the brass bushing goes (that's what I wrongly filed down) It was rubbing against the tail pitch slider as if the size of the rounded part of the link was too big

[davep]

Thanks for the responses. I guess the good news is that i am just seeing similar issues to everyone else. Will do a better search next time .
The binding on mine is definitely between the link and the pitch slider, not between the link and the blade grip. Will try filing the links slightly or possibly trying the longer bolt and nut solution.

Dave

[tribe3]

I was messing around with some V2 links and the key is to get the brass bushings to fit loose (free) in the aluminum v2 link. I played with a 2.75mm bit and a dremel. This way when you tighten they won't bind. Once tightened you have to move the links around and see that they rub a little on the edges. No need to file anything just move them around until they move freely

[msallua]

Originally Posted by tribe3

I had a set with the same problem. I filed it down in the wrong place because I misunderstood the problem and finally abandoned them... A couple of weeks later I ordered another set of the KDE V2 for my Trex 600 but first tried them on my 700 again and they fit perfect without any binding. I think they have different batches...

The problem was not in the thickness of the link where the brass bushing goes (that's what I wrongly filed down) It was rubbing against the tail pitch slider as if the size of the rounded part of the link was too big

Yesterday I have the same problem in my 700DFC , finally abandoned..... Ordered another set to test , perhaps they have different batches.

[ranchhand]

I haven't had this problem with any of the three control links I've installed. I did have to round the edges of the tail grip because it was interfering with the outer race of the bearing.
But if the other end is binding I would go with the nut fix.
This is a pic from the KDE Direct web site. You can see they did both, rounded the grip and used a jam nut. I'm sure they just used some lock tite on the nut instead of a nylon lock nut.
Probably trying to safe some rotating weight.

Edit, won't let me post pic because I'm already using it here.

https://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=535130