Control stick slop

[Bluemax]

I recently replaced the steel bushings between the stick and torque tube to alleviate roll slop and now find there is some looseness in pitch. The joint underneath that connects the stick to the tube is worn. Any ideas as to fixing this without removing the seats/floorboards again? Maybe drop the lower boot cowl to access this area? Is there a bushing in there? Looks like an AN 3 size bolt.Thanks in advance.

[james gevay]

Here's some additional information on the lower stick bushings. Hopefully you are aware of AD 48-39-01 for the lower stick clevis and nut on the casting, not a regular bolt and nut.

http://www.joea.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=3074

You can access the front stick socket from underneath with the boot cowl opened up, but I don't think you can get at the rear one as easily. You might have to get in the inspection openings in the belly.
Here's what you would see with the boot cowl opened up. You can just see the front of the front stick in the center.

The second photo shows the parts in the stick socket and interconnect tube, the parts for the clevis bolt are in the top right.

[Paul Agaliotis]

If you can remove the push/pull tube you can use a shrinking hammer to reduce the hole diameter. There is rumor that the hole can also be welded up and re drilled.
I think there is a Service Letter that gives the maximun diameter of these holes. I like to stay with the smallest diameter I can.
Another option is to replace the tube. ACA can probably get you one.
The control stick is pretty long so a little wear in the bolt will feel like a mile at the top of the stick.
Paul

[bob turner]

This is good information. The link above is also helpful. I think I will do that next annual. Are you all still applying for Field Approvals for oversize reamed holes? Any success?