I checked the rivets on my RD2-C damper assembly and
was able to confirm that they were in fact beginning to loosen as evidenced by
the radial streaks on the damper plate. I picked four rivets at random,
approx. 90 degrees apart, and grabbed the shop heads with vice grips and tried
to spin them. All four would spin with little effort, thus confirming
that they were beginning to loosen. After a phone call to Tracy,
we decided to replace the ring of rivets with AN3 bolts, which I've now done.
One
advantage to rivets is that they fill the holes to zero tolerance. The
bolts will be MUCH stronger, but I’m wondering about the potential for
some very small amount of ‘play’ to begin with, which would not be
a good thing. I don’t know much about steel rivets, but maybe
that’s the way to go.
Mark;
what nominal length and grip length on the bolts? Are you using standard AN
bolts or are there ‘true’ diameter or ‘close tolerance’
bolts available.
Al
Hum-m-m;
I just decided I could change schedules in order to fly to the Jean, NV
gathering next week. Now I’m wondering whether to fly anywhere before
changing out the rivets. I’m thinking that since I see no movement
between flange and plate after 180 hours, it should be good for at least a few
more hours.