How to disassemble Scott 3-24B Steering arm

[Jerry Jackson]

I have two Scott 3-24B tailwheels that need repairs to their steering arm assemblies. They appear to be led together with two rivets. Can anyone advise how to disassemble them?

Jerry Jackson
San Antonio

[Richard Murray]

Jerry-

I am trying to picture the 3-24B

Does this look anything like it?

[Jerry Jackson]

Yes, that is it. I want to disassemble part #4.

Jerry

[Paul Agaliotis]

Jerry,
This part is not designed to be rebuilt. Most people replace it and try to clean up the shaft where the flats "lock" into place. Prices of this part have climbed pretty steep. I would look at the Aviation Products tail wheel. You can install the complete tail wheel for the price of the steering arm.
Paul

[Jerry Jackson]

Paul

I agree with both points----it wasn't made to be serviced and the API unit is cheaper and better than the Scott. However, I just wanted to know what was inside so I proceeded to open it up. It was pretty easy to get it apart and I have cleaned it. If my interests hold out I will take pictures and write a description of how to open it and how it could be put back together again..

When I opened it I found that the problem with this particular unit was that the case was packed with a mixture of dried grease mixed with dirt. There is no way to seal dirt out of the unit. Frequent greasing would wash some of the dirt out but the flow path will not reach some areas. If I really wanted to keep one of these working then I think I would try to clean the interior by soaking and pressure washing it with warm, soapy ammonia water. It does not contain any material that would be damaged by that treatment provided it was promptly flushed, dried, and lubricated.

Jerry

[Richard Murray]

Jerry-

Really interested in reading your solution for opening, cleaning, and reassembling the steering arm. Hope you stay motivated.

If using your suggested non-invasive method of flushing/cleaning the part, would there still esist a flow issue to properly lubricate the cleaned part?

Richard

[Jerry Jackson]

That's a good question. I will attempt to answer it by assembling the unit dry, pumping it full of grease, rotation all the parts in an attempt of spreading the grease, and then disassembling it to see how well it was lubricated. Stay tuned.

JJ

[Paul Agaliotis]

Jerry,
The two arms aside are heat treated. It's been rumored that welding up the arms where the fit into the slot on the steering stem doesn't hold up. This tail wheel locking mechanism needs to have tension springs installed to keep it locked straight.
With the age of these tail wheels, I see many people struggling to keep them in service.
Paul