Rudder Inspection

Item number 13 on the discrepancy list was the rudder. It had been painted with at least two coats of paint and I was suspicious of the balance condition and possible hidden defects. I removed the rudder and took it back to the farm shop for a complete strip and inspection.

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I used CitriStrip to remove the paint in two applications 1/8th thick each time and wrapped the rudder in plastic overnight. It worked well on the top coat but the zinc chromate required some elbow grease and a 3M pad. The rudder cleaned up nicely with only a very minor blemish found near the trailing edge. I also took the time to refinish the balance weights, hinge brackets, and replace the rudder cap.

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Here are a few pictures of the rudder hinge brackets and counter weight assembly. I glass bead blasted everything taking care not to damage or contaminate the the bearing surfaces. Everything was re-assembled with new AN hardware to include the hinge bolts thereby complying with the 500 hour replacement requirement. Below is the rudder with a fresh coat of PTI Juneau White Enamel. The final step was to check the balance of the rudder IAW the service manual – unfortunately I did not get a picture of that step. I often find it difficult to slow down and take pictures of the key steps.

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