New Nose Wheel Fin

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Boatguy
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Re: New Nose Wheel Fin

Post by Boatguy »

It's not certified and not manufactured by them so I don't think they'll touch it. But maybe if you buy one from Bret you can ship it to Diamond and they'll paint it to match your plane.
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vontresc
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Re: New Nose Wheel Fin

Post by vontresc »

Hi anyone have issues with their fins breaking off???

I installed the fin on our club DA-40 a few weeks ago, and I got notified by one of the pilots that the fin was broken off. Can't tell if it failed due to a stress crack where I drilled it or if the FBO whacked it with. the tow bar (wouldn't be the first time)

Image

Image

We may also have overtightened the rear attachment screw.
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Rich
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Re: New Nose Wheel Fin

Post by Rich »

vontresc wrote: Mon Aug 30, 2021 6:22 pm Hi anyone have issues with their fins breaking off???

I installed the fin on our club DA-40 a few weeks ago, and I got notified by one of the pilots that the fin was broken off. Can't tell if it failed due to a stress crack where I drilled it or if the FBO whacked it with. the tow bar (wouldn't be the first time)

We may also have overtightened the rear attachment screw.
I've had mine for years and no problems. BUT I also put stainless steel washers underneath the heads of both of those screws.
2002 DA40-180: MT, PowerFlow, 530W/430W, KAP140, ext. baggage, 1090 ES out, 2646 MTOW, 40gal., Surefly, Flightstream 210, Orion 600 LED, XeVision, Aspen E5
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Rich
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Re: New Nose Wheel Fin

Post by Rich »

There was also a design change between mine and now. Mine has a somewhat pliable layer under the base which potentially could produce a better stress distribution and vibration absorption.
2002 DA40-180: MT, PowerFlow, 530W/430W, KAP140, ext. baggage, 1090 ES out, 2646 MTOW, 40gal., Surefly, Flightstream 210, Orion 600 LED, XeVision, Aspen E5
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vontresc
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Re: New Nose Wheel Fin

Post by vontresc »

Yeah I should have probably use some mounting tape in my installation. Lesson learned.
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Boatguy
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Re: New Nose Wheel Fin

Post by Boatguy »

If you can cruise with your feet on the floor and the ball centered, then you don't have the problem and the fin won't help you.
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Lance Murray
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Re: New Nose Wheel Fin

Post by Lance Murray »

Arnaud,

From what I have found is if the Jesus nut on the nose wheel pivot point is tensioned properly my nose wheel doesn't turn and act as a rudder.
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blsewardjr
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Re: New Nose Wheel Fin

Post by blsewardjr »

Lance- There is a range of tension. What have you found to be the best setting? Thanks. Bernie
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Pilot55
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Re: New Nose Wheel Fin

Post by Pilot55 »

vontresc wrote: Mon Aug 30, 2021 11:56 pm Yeah I should have probably use some mounting tape in my installation. Lesson learned.
Peter, I will send you a new fin if you want, no charge.
Thanks
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Lance Murray
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Re: New Nose Wheel Fin

Post by Lance Murray »

I haven't put a scale on it. I Just know that when it comes back from annual it needs to be tightened more. Every time. I put some extra tension on it and then it's good. This reminds me I have to do it again.
blsewardjr wrote: Wed Sep 01, 2021 11:31 am Lance- There is a range of tension. What have you found to be the best setting? Thanks. Bernie
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