Retractable Step Return Spring ; pop off

[Ron H]

I own a 1967 m20 e with a vacuum step system. I recently found the step sticking in the up position. I lubed the step. Not quite fixing the problem I attempted to clean the mechanism. In doing so the flat spring # sh8G28 popped off. Now I can't seem to get the spring to stay in place. I installed it three times and it twists on its self rather than coiling. Does anyone have any suggestions or tricks? Do I need a new spring?

Thanks

RH

[rbridges]

sorry, no help with the spring issue, but make sure to clean the step really well.  get any old grease removed and make sure to use a teflon spray.  They have them at lowes.  Lasts a decent length of time and doesn't collect debris like a thicker lube.  

[carusoam]

I had the same thing happen on the 65 C.

Cleaned it up nice to make it work.

Had it go haywire.

I remember coiling it up and trying a few times before getting it right.

Unfortunately, that's all I remember about that...

Good luck with yours,

-a-

[Rhumbline]

I had the same problem a few months ago. After unsuccessfully trying to get the twists out while simultaneously re-coiling the spring on the step, I concluded that the only way to do it would be to remove the bolt that anchors the spring to the airframe, fully extend and straighten the spring, carefully guide and coil it around the step and then re-attach the spring to the airframe. It looked & sounded like a bigger pain than it was to accomplish though an extra hand would have been helpful. It's not entirely unlike getting the kinks out of a telephone cord. Be careful in handling the spring. I didn't cut myself but the edges felt pretty sharp.

[piperpainter]

I have a step for sale  

[Ron H]

I had the same problem a few months ago. After unsuccessfully trying to get the twists out while simultaneously re-coiling the spring on the step, I concluded that the only way to do it would be to remove the bolt that anchors the spring to the airframe, fully extend and straighten the spring, carefully guide and coil it around the step and then re-attach the spring to the airframe. It looked & sounded like a bigger pain than it was to accomplish though an extra hand would have been helpful. It's not entirely unlike getting the kinks out of a telephone cord. Be careful in handling the spring. I didn't cut myself but the edges felt pretty sharp.

Thanks for the the suggestion. Can I assume that the bolt goes into a blind nut or nutplate as access to the area behind the step looks difficult? So there is no need to get a wrench on the back side? Thanks again.

Rh

[HRM]

I own a 1967 m20 e with a vacuum step system. I recently found the step sticking in the up position. I lubed the step. Not quite fixing the problem I attempted to clean the mechanism. In doing so the flat spring # sh8G28 popped off. Now I can't seem to get the spring to stay in place. I installed it three times and it twists on its self rather than coiling. Does anyone have any suggestions or tricks? Do I need a new spring?

Thanks

RH

 

 

I think you need a Don Maxwell. That spring is tricky.

[Rhumbline]

Thanks for the the suggestion. Can I assume that the bolt goes into a blind nut or nutplate as access to the area behind the step looks difficult? So there is no need to get a wrench on the back side? Thanks again.

Rh

I don't recall.  I'm planning on flying this AM so I'll have a looksee while I'm at the hangar but I don't remember having inordinate difficulty with the bolt. 

[Rhumbline]

Thanks for the the suggestion. Can I assume that the bolt goes into a blind nut or nutplate as access to the area behind the step looks difficult? So there is no need to get a wrench on the back side? Thanks again.

Rh

After looking at it, I realize I described the spring attachment a$$ backward.  The coiled end is affixed to the airframe and the other end bolted to the step; not the other way around.  Otherwise the solution I used is as noted above and the bolt is easily accessed (photo attached).  Hope this helps and good luck if you choose to tinker with it yourself.