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Re: New Nose Wheel Fin
Posted: Wed Jun 23, 2021 8:46 pm
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.
Re: New Nose Wheel Fin
Posted: Mon Aug 30, 2021 6:22 pm
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)
We may also have overtightened the rear attachment screw.
Re: New Nose Wheel Fin
Posted: Mon Aug 30, 2021 8:41 pm
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.
Re: New Nose Wheel Fin
Posted: Mon Aug 30, 2021 8:52 pm
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.
Re: New Nose Wheel Fin
Posted: Mon Aug 30, 2021 11:56 pm
by vontresc
Yeah I should have probably use some mounting tape in my installation. Lesson learned.
Re: New Nose Wheel Fin
Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2021 3:26 am
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.
Re: New Nose Wheel Fin
Posted: Tue Aug 31, 2021 11:55 pm
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.
Re: New Nose Wheel Fin
Posted: Wed Sep 01, 2021 11:31 am
by blsewardjr
Lance- There is a range of tension. What have you found to be the best setting? Thanks. Bernie
Re: New Nose Wheel Fin
Posted: Sun Oct 31, 2021 11:52 pm
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
Bret
Re: New Nose Wheel Fin
Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2021 11:38 am
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