Fixing push rod to operate rudder correctly

by PJ
(Rockford)

I'm having problems trying to get the push rod bent like a "z", as the manual asks. I bent it the best I could but it doesn't look like a "z".
I ran it through the hole in the tail rudder horn, the rudder ended up only turning to the left. I tried adjusting the rod in through the horn hole a number of times and the rudder would only turn the opposite way.
How do you get it so the rudder turns evenly? And how far should the rudder turn, barely or pretty deep? And with the push rod, about how many times can you bend it if you have to without it braking - is it a pretty tough wire in your opinion?
By the way the plane is an RTF P-51D if this helps you any. Thanks.

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Fixing push rod to operate rudder correctly

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Feb 05, 2009
Rudder linkage
by: Pete

It's hard to offer any help without seeing a photo of what you've done, but there's no reason why the rudder shouldn't operate correctly if the control horn is in the right position, and the rod is the correct length.
The best way to bend the 'Z' at the end is to use two pairs of thin-nose pliers, this is about the only way you'll get the short length in the middle of the 'Z'. The amount you can bend before it snaps depends on the quality of metal the rod is made from, but don't bend it more than a few times or it is likely to break.
I think the best thing you can do is join our forum and then you can upload photos of the plane, that'll make it easier for us to help you.

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