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A while back, a builder "posted" that his MKII elevators moved freely before
tightening all of the attachment bolts, but noticed some slight stiffness or
binding after tightening the bolts.  As promised, I tightened mine over the
weekend and also noticed the same thing - a slight increase in apparent
friction.  My guess is that the friction "regime" changes before and after
tightening.  In other words, it appears that the elevators may swing/pivot
on the bolts prior to tightening, but pivot around/on the bearing surfaces
(like their supposed to) after tightening.  With the "tighter" bearing
tolerances, and throwing in some carbon fiber dust for good measure, voila,
more friction!  My guess is that things may loosen up a bit after "break
in".  Now, of course, the million dollar question.  Should one
counterbalance before or after tightening the attachment bolts?  Has anyone
out there experienced the same thing with their elevators or other control
surfaces? Currently, I am finishing the sizing/shaping of the access/inspection holes
for the elevator bolts.  Right now, they are sorta cute and aesthetically
pleasing.  But after about 50 attach/remove cycles, I have half a mind to
get out my Dremel and really open these puppies up, maybe to also allow
access with a torque wrench!  But of course, I'm worried about compromising
the structural integrity/stiffness of the elevator leading edge.  Any
opinions or suggestions out there?  Mucho thanks.

Dana Westphal (360 MKII)
(still elevator anal)  

LML homepage:   http://www.olsusa.com/Users/Mkaye/maillist.html