Hello Everyone,

I am assembling a Tower Trainer 40 MKII. I think the Nose Gear Steering Arm cut out, or the grinding, in the gear leg, is not placed well. The wheel will turn more to the left than the right (more port than starboard). I am still fiddling with it, but I think that is what has happened.

My question is; If I have to modify the existing grinding, how many degrees should I expect the wheel to turn in each direction ? I think I would need this to know where the grinding needs end up being.

If anyone with more experience could offer any help, or suggestions, I'm all ears, eyes.

Thank You So Much,

waynerr

It's fairly common for a beginner to setup the nose wheel to turn way too sharp. I can't quote the exact degrees, but setting up a nose wheel to turn 3 foot diameter circles is too tight. Making it less sensitive actually makes it easier to keep the plane straight when taking off.

Don't let it turn anymore to the left than it does to the right. Actually don't let it go all the way to the right either.

This syndrome you mention about it turning more in one direction is common with models with a internal control arm.

Enjoy,

Jim

15 degrees each way should be a good starting point. The nosewheel pushrod should go in the outer hole of the steering arm and the inner hole of the servo arm.

Jim

I had a couple of those Tower Trainer 40s over the years. One thing you can do that will make them more enjoyable is toss the original nose gear and install a Fults dual strut nose gear. It will save you a lot of aggravation and you can use it on other trike-gear planes you may build in the future.

Good flying,
desmobob

OK,Thank You Everyone. Now I have things to consider and things to go by. This is a good place to learn.

Thanks again,

waynerr

Make sure coil spring is not scraping bottom of fuselage . Nose gear control arm will stick out about 30 degrees from firewall. A flat spot is needed to keep steering arm from twisting on shaft . OEM are a little weak a stronger replacement is a good idea.

speedster 1919,

Thank You for your reply.

Yes I have checked the coil under the fuselage for binding. There is none. I am looking at Tower, through their Nose Gears.

My question; Does the Nose Gear Control Arm stick out 30° with the wheel straight ahead, or turned fully to the right ? I am imagining from your post that it is when straight ?

Thank You Again,

waynerr

the Nose Gear Control Arm sticks out 30° with the wheel straight ahead

w8ye,

Thank You. You are Ever So Kind.

waynerr