Raptor 60 tail drive shaft

[MrBrink]

Hey all, so I've had this TT Raptor 60 FB that I bought used about a year ago. I'm just now getting around to tearing it down and rebuilding it (not tough as it's in good condition just want to get the experience of working on it myself). As I removed the tail on the raptor I spun the shaft and noticed it was far from center which possibly could lead to some nasty vibration issues in flight. I'm used to the micros at the moment where the tail shaft has to be perfect to avoid shakes etc. in flight.

So I order a new tail drive shaft as the old one is quite warped. I got the new one in yesterday and today I take it out of the package and roll it on a flat surface and noticed that the new shaft is not straight either. So here is the question, is this normal? Is this kind of warp in the drive shaft normal in that it won't cause tail shake or do I need to contact the store that I ordered it from?

Like I stated earlier, I'm used to the micros and I have a Trex 250 where the shaft has to be perfectly straight to reduce flight issues. As I've not had the bird in the air I don't know how this issue will affect it's flight. Any advice on this issue would be greatly appreciated.

[MrBrink]

Well I received a response on another forum and yes it needs to be straight which is what I thought but I've never worked on this model before.

So needless to say, I bought a new shaft and I get it and it's warped. I did receive store credit because now they are out of stock. I contacted HRP Dist. as they carry TT parts but wouldn't you know, they are out of stock for that shaft as well so it looks like the guy who sold me this heli gave me the shaft.

Now begins the process of trying to find a work around for this problem as it looks as though this part and others are rarer than a unicorn farting a double rainbow.

Would anyone have any suggestions? Other than the tail drive shaft the model looks to be in good shape and should have several years left of service.

[ticedoff8]

They are all warped.

Use two torque-tube bearings on the shaft. Do not space them at equal positions on the shaft.
I cannot remember the length of that shaft, but assume it is 22"
Instead of placing the bearings at 7" for each end, place 1 bearing at 8" and the other at 9".

Secure the bearings to the shaft with a smear of CA glue. Basically, wet the final location of the bearing on the shaft and then slide the bearing in place. Don't use too much CA. Don;t let the CA wick into the balls.

I flew the R60 and R90 (SE & 3D). With 2 bearings, there is no problems.

[jazsop]

Go to a sporting goods store that has a lot of arrows. Take the ends off the torque tube after cutting the arrows to the correct length. That what I always did and it worked perfect.

[cmulder]

http://www.modelhelicopters.co.uk/ta...raptor-60.html