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RE: Europa-List: Tri gear Brake Problems

Subject: RE: Europa-List: Tri gear Brake Problems
From: Alan Burrows <alan@kestrelinsurance.com>
Date: Wed, 15 Sep 2004 10:10:32

Thanks Karl
I am "almost" in the U.K. as I'm in the Isle of Man, but we do have a
B&Q so I guess that must qualify us :-)
Alan

-----Original Message-----
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of KARL HEINDL
Subject: RE: Europa-List: Tri gear Brake Problems


Alan,


I assumed that you had the dual master cylinder that comes with the
fingerbrakes kit. If you have the original supplied cylinders then my
solution does not apply.


I used springs which wereleftovers from one of the kits. I have no idea
what they were for (like lots of other little bits) and Am not sure of
the part number, something like FL26. The ends had to be cut off and
they should be shorter than the existing springs. They work fine but I
would like a slightly more robust spring with a larger diameter. I have
bought a couple in a hardware store recently and will try them out next
time I need to dismantle the cylinders.


I assume that you are in the UK. There is a big spring manufacturer in
Bristol, can't remember the name. Also, B@Q may have a selection in
their section with all the little drawers.


Karl


From: "Alan Burrows" alan@kestrel-insurance.com 
Subject: RE: Europa-List: Tri gear Brake Problems 
Date: Tue, 14 Sep 2004 14:48:20 +0100 

-- Europa-List message posted by: "Alan Burrows"
alan@kestrel-insurance.com 

Firstly I am no expert on the subject of brakes, but I don't understand 
why my brakes would free up when moving the parking brake lever 
backwards and forwards a few times, because to me it seems a different 
problem to yours. Incidentally I also had problems with the levers not 
returning fully, but just put up with that. Where did you get your extra

springs from and are they anything special? 
Alan 

-----Original Message----- 
From: owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com 
[mailto:owner-europa-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of KARL HEINDL

Subject: RE: Europa-List: Tri gear Brake Problems 


-- Europa-List message posted by: "KARL HEINDL" kheindl@msn.com 


Alan, 


Some of us had problems with the rubber seals in the master cylinder not

returning to their null position due to excessive friction. I overcame 
this problem simply by re-enforcing the springs with an additional 
spring inside the existing one. Others have changed seals, brake fluid 
etc. 


By the way, Matco informed me that the wheels and brakes are the same 
models as used on Spaceship One. I wonder which master cylinder was used

by Rutan. Also, what is used on the Liberty, which has finger brakes 
like most of us. 


Karl 


From: "Alan Burrows" alan@kestrel-insurance.com 
Subject: Europa-List: Tri gear Brake Problems 
Date: Tue, 14 Sep 2004 12:33:49 +0100 

-- Europa-List message posted by: "Alan Burrows" 
alan@kestrel-insurance.com 


Hi Guys 
Yesterday I was due to fly to Prestwick and as I taxied around to the 
runway, in 38kts of wind the aircraft locked the port wheel when I 
applied a good amount of pressure to the finger brakes, trying to turn a


corner against the wind. Now this aint funny at a busy commercial 
airport in driving wind and rain..! The brake was locked on solid and 
the only way to free it was to remove the spats and slacken the bleed 
nipple to release enough pressure to allow the piston to be pushed back 
into the calliper. When I eventually made it back into the hanger I 
applied the brakes again with the same result. Each time I use any force


on the lever it locks up the port brake. I discovered that if I rock the


parking brake lever backwards and forwards several times it does free 
off the locked brake, so I guess the problem lies in there somewhere. I 
will know more when I strip it all down. But in the meantime if anyone 
has any suspicions of the levers feeling unusual or not returning 
properly BE CAREFUL the next stage may be a lock up as I experienced in 
the worst possible conditions. I suggest you give your levers a real 
hard pull just to make sure they don't lock on..! 
I will publish more when I have some diagnosis. 
Cheers for Now 

Alan 
G-CBWF 


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