Speedbrake problem

[rgpilot]

One of my speedbrakes went completely dead. I called Preciseflight and they said since it's a 2000 series speedbrake (2003 Ovation) I should send back both sides and the controller in the belly. Anyone had similar experience? Where is controller located? They said it's on a shelf in the belly.

[carusoam]

Had some speed brake details taken care of on my 94R...

My mechanic did the work so there is not much guidance to share.

The clutches wear out and give the appearance of being dead.

I believe they get removed, sent to be rebuilt, and then re-installed. Mine should be good for another decade...

Check to see if normal wear is the reason for it not working...

Best regards,

-a-

[JohnB]

Definitely I would send both sides back to Precise flight for rebuilding. I had one of my speedbrakes delay on retraction, both were rebuilt and had wear and tear, one was worse than the other. Previously was more than 10 years before a speedbrake problem, and I too expect to get another 10 + years after rebuilding both.

[ArtVandelay]

How often do use your speed brakes that would cause them to wear out?

[rgpilot]

I sent both speed brakes and the Control unit back. Dave at Precise Flight found the problem is a bad sensor. Since they are 10 years old he recommended both units get the 10 year service. Since I had already done the work of removal and shipping I agreed. Found the control unit is ( in the belly) under the rear seat at about the mid line of the plane. A bit of a job to remove it since you have to fit a small phillips into the access hole and hold the screw while you unbolt it and then fit it out of the access hole. All the connections are easy since they just unscrew and pull apart.