Steering Horn shimming??

[Brian2034]

I've saw mentioned in a couple of threads that there is instructions on how to check and shim the steering horn.

Can someone point me in the right direction, I've searched for it but turned up nothing in the way of instructions. 

[Fritz1]

Shims come in different sizes, LASAR or any MSC is probably a good place to order. The other main cause for slop is the steering arm idler bushing, pivots around a # 10 bolt threaded into the airframe, that bolt may need tightening and possibly replacing if worn. Best also ordered from a MSC, Spruce does not have it, I ordered 100 when I replaced mine a couple of years ago.

[N201MKTurbo]

You want to shim where the main pivot goes through. You may be able to get shims from LASAR, but you may be able to get them from McMaster Carr. 
 

A standard washer fits, but it is too thick. If you know someone with a surface grinder, you could grind down a washer and get a perfect fit.

[EricJ]

The Mooney part number for the shim is 720013-   with dash numbers -007, -009, -011, and -013, etc.,  reflecting the thickness of the shim.    You can get them on ebay.

I thought sure there was a drawing in an SB or SI or something showing installation, but if there is, I can't find it.

In the drawing below the shim goes between the 720020-501 collar and the steering horn assembly.   It seems like kind of a stop-gap measure to take play out, but it works.   Just checking play there makes it evident whether you need one, or a bigger one.   It's best done on jacks or at least with the tail tied down and the nose suspended.

 

[Brian2034]

I have the required shims

I just want to make sure which side of the bushing requires the shims.

Apparently there is a process to determine which side requires the main shims.

I'm thinking the rod end on the steering horn and the pivot bolt should be in alignment

There is mention that in the maintenance manual there is a explanation (Not in my manual!)

 

 

[EricJ]

6 minutes ago, Brian2034 said:

I have the required shims

I just want to make sure which side of the bushing requires the shims.

Apparently there is a process to determine which side requires the main shims.

I'm thinking the rod end on the steering horn and the pivot bolt should be in alignment

There is mention that in the maintenance manual there is a explanation (Not in my manual!)

 

 

It's not in the manual for my J, either.

In your pic you can see the shim or shim stack between the collar and the horn.

[Brian2034]

That doesn't mean their right!

If you google the steering horn you'll find examples of the shims on both sides

[Brian2034]

[EricJ]

The shim(s) can go on either end depending on whethere there's binding in the steering axis or which end the play is on when it's static.   The entire assembly isn't exactly an exercise in close tolerances in most places, so you mostly just deal with what you have.    They're all pretty much hand-made, so uniformity isn't really expected, either.   I think that's why the shims exist in the first place, and in so many sizes.

It's easiest to just put them under the collar since that requires very little disassembly.

[PT20J]

THIS ^^^^^

But if you are concerned about it, contact Mooney: technicalsupport@mooney.com