REFLECTOR: wheel shimmy

[Velocity]

Now being on this list for over 10 years now I know this issue keeps coming 
up. It seems
the answer usually goes to set the tension on the front wheel to 14 lbs of 
pull or something like that
and you should not have a problem. Is this not true? I have heard that this 
should be
on the preflight check list. Does this number change and really need to be 
adjusted regularly?
If so maybe  we just need to find the way to get the tension to stay within 
a range that works.
Or perhaps  there are people that feel that there is a better mouse trap out 
there and are working
toward a simpler/ better design for the front wheel which is great. So is 
there a steering Issue?
Or is there a real problem that needs to be addressed? Just wondering 
because I have not
had the joy yet of being in the front seat and seeing for my self. One of 
these days, One of these
days.

Ron





----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Sid Knox" <sbjknox at earthlink.net>
To: "Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list" <reflector at tvbf.org>
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2009 11:56 PM
Subject: Re: REFLECTOR: wheel shimmy


> From: "Scott Derrick" <scott at tnstaafl.net>
>> Sid,
>> Can you give an update on the damper? Working well?
>
> Working great.  Never a hint of shimmy.  The big nut is tight only enough 
> to
> take up any slack.  With damper disconnected, completely free of friction.
>
>> How many landings on the system?
>
> Several dozen since install in Spring of 2006.
>
>> Did you ever put external stops on it so the damper wouldn't bottom out?
>
> No.  I can make the sharp 120 degree turn on the narrow taxiway leading to
> my ramp no problem.
>
>> Ever miss not having a fulling castoring nose wheel?
>> Scott
>
> Not yet.  I simply pick up the nose and walk it around if needed.  With no
> passenger(s) inside of course... its too heavy for me otherwise.  Pushing
> backwards is easier too without the tendency for the wheel to caster 
> around
> backwards.
>
> Sid
>
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