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New Shimmy Dampners

Re: New Shimmy Dampners

Hi Jim! Just found this thread. I'm into the 3rd week of my '(hehe) 1996' Panel Upgrade and the concurrent annual, and just replaced all my tires, tubes, discs, linings and serviced ythe wheel bearings. And just was looking at my Shimmy Damper. I recalled I rebuilt it for the 5th or 6th time. I always did that as soon as I felt 'ANY' shimmy at all. It usually was having 'a problem doing its job' due to contaminated fluid, or a weeping seal reducing the hydraulic fluid and 'internal 'action'. I was wondering- 'Hmmnnn how many times can this thing be serviced-- and still work as it suppose to. Your information about the 20# spec vs some units may only be working at 5 was 'most insightful'. This is obviously a great project with good support from the 'Usual Suspects'-- so I am proud to be able to say " Add me to the list of interested, subject to final offering price" of course.......


BTW, What are your 'total interested #'s for Shimmy Dampers. Are you close to or over the 50 now?? Sherman
 
Re: New Shimmy Dampners

Hi Jim, Please add me to the list. Thanks!
 
Re: New Shimmy Dampners

Good Morning Jim,
Per your advice on checking for loose components. I have a ‘lot’ of play in the torque links. I mean they rattle when tested for lateral play. Would you recommend replacing the bushings / bearings or is this something that can be tightened or shimmed?
Are the bushings available from the Cape?
Are the bushings common with other aircraft manufacturers? (Chief / Spruce)
Still haven’t found a Commander ‘smart’ A & P in the area . .
Thanks, John
 
Re: New Shimmy Dampners

Count me in. I have rebuilt mine twice and even have a bent core!
 
Re: New Shimmy Dampners

I am also interested.
 
Re: New Shimmy Dampners

I am interested too. I just insalled a new goodyear flight custom 111 and Balanced it very well...this has taken all the shimmey out for the past several months. i use to need to re pack the damper after only a couple flights. 1976 114 with 4800hours.
The new tire and balancing did the trick.
 
Re: New Shimmy Dampners

count me in 1974 112a
 
Re: New Shimmy Dampners

I installed the bushing kit (see post above) from Jim Richards' shop a few months ago. It corrected the linkage play from about ¼ inch of play to none. I also purchased the ‘old’ damper rebuild kit, but so far the bushing repair as stopped my worrisome shimmy problem. Inexpensive and easy install.
 
Re: New Shimmy Dampners

Worn bushings/bolts are the source of shimmy in FAR more cases than a worn dampner. The FIRST step when noting shimmy is to check the linkage play not service the dampner. If the linkage is free of play, then check your dampner.
 
Re: New Shimmy Dampners

wab003 said:
Worn bushings/bolts are the source of shimmy in FAR more cases than a worn dampner. The FIRST step when noting shimmy is to check the linkage play not service the dampner. If the linkage is free of play, then check your dampner.
Click to expand...

I agree with Bill! I got a torque knee kit from Jim Richards and it solved my shimmy problem, even though I originally suspected my dampner.:D

Andy
 
Re: New Shimmy Dampners

Agree with Bill. You would be surprised what a set of bushings, bolts, self locking nuts annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnd a appropriate thickness spacer (5 cent hardware store washer) will do to relieve the side torque on the main large bolts/busings induced by the tightening of the small bolt, where the spacer is suppose to be. Once the spacer is in place and the small bolt tighten, there is no side torque or ware on the main large bolts and bushings. This works forever or until the shimmy D looses it's fluid. :cool:
 
Re: New Shimmy Dampners

I would like a new shimmy dampner Jim. Thanks!
 
Re: New Shimmy Dampners

Jim:

Any shimmy damper status update?

Thanks.
 
Re: New Shimmy Dampners

Jim:
I need a new shimmy dampner now! Any news on the approval?

Martin
 
Re: New Shimmy Dampners

Hi Martin,

I am hoping to carve the new damper program into my winter schedule. Sorry, the elevators have completely distracted me since January. At the peak, I estimate there were at least 125 Commanders grounded.

Jim
 
Re: New Shimmy Dampners

Where does the shimmy damper program stand? I am having issues, rebuilt but still seeing a small drip of fluid. Maybe I just need the new small plastic ball seal Susie discussed in this post.
 
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