Viking Steel Bungee Install question

IMAG0098%20%281%29.jpg

I installed the viking spring system tonight, but had some trouble adjusting it and would like some feedback.  How stiff should the nose wheel be after adjusting tension with the side nuts?   

The reason I ask is that i've got mine bottomed out and it still doesn't seem stiff enough to keep the nose gear from hitting the stops on landing.  I can push the nose by hand and see an inch or two of travel.  It seems like the momentum of the engine on landing would easily cause the nose gear tube to hit either the welded stop ring, or the aluminum spring cap on top.  

As you can see from the pictures, it's cranked way down there.  If i had the nuts back where others seem to have them, the nose would sit a full inch lower because of the light spring pressure.  

Admittedly, I'm comparing it to the rubber bungee cord that used to be on there.  That was so stiff, i could stand on the engine and the strut would barely move.  

Views: 807

Comment

You need to be a member of Zenith Aircraft Builders and Flyers to add comments!

Join Zenith Aircraft Builders and Flyers

Comment by Jon Reddick on June 7, 2015 at 9:34pm
Jan at Viking has been very helpful. The corvair is one of the heavier options and puts the cg at the very front of the limits with me and full fuel. I adjusted the spring to look more like the images I've seen and tested it today. There was not excessive bounce either when taxiing or landing.
Comment by Normand Lambert on June 7, 2015 at 9:04pm
Actually the Corvair engine it quite heavy, please check that weight on the nosewheel by putting a balance under the wheel. The spring could be switched for a
heavier grade. I'm looking into this already.
Comment by Normand Lambert on June 7, 2015 at 9:01pm
how much weight is there on your nosewheel ???? If your nosewheel is very heavy it may compress the spring before it even start absorbing shocks. I will check mine soon and let you know.
Comment by Lawrence Michael Wilson on June 7, 2015 at 6:05am
Have you talked to Jan at Viking?

New from Zenith:

Zenith Planes For Sale 
 

Classified listing for buying or selling your Zenith building or flying related stuff...


Custom Instrument Panels
for your Zenith
:

Custom instrument panels are now available directly from Zenith Aircraft Company exclusively for Zenith builders and owners. Pre-cut panel, Dynon and Garmin avionics, and more.


Zenith Homecoming Tee:


Zenair Floats


Flying On Your Own Wings:
A Complete Guide to Understanding Light Airplane Design, by Chris Heintz


Builder & Pilot Supplies:

Aircraft Insurance:

 
 

West Coast USA:

 
Pro Builder Assistance:

 

Transition training:

Lavion Aero

K&S Aviation Services

Aircraft Spruce & Specialty for all your building and pilot supplies!

How to videos from HomebuiltHELP.com

Developed specifically for Zenith builders (by a builder) these videos on DVD are a great help in building your own kit plane by providing practical hands-on construction information. Visit HomebuiltHelp.com for the latest DVD titles.

© 2024   Created by Zenith.Aero.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service