Retractable step

[JKL]

Hi everyone!

Anyone know what the spring force is for the flat coil spring that helps to deploy the retractable step?

I just removed the vacuum system from my 1965 “E” and removed the bellows servo, etc (for sale if wanted by anyone) for the retractable step. Was cleaning up the shaft for the step and the brackets that the step shaft traverses through and noticed that the coil spring is a bit beaten up so would like to replace it. Need to know the right spring force / length / etc. Anyone?

[Andy95W]

@takair should have a good answer.

[takair]

It is very light, almost too light.  I don’t have my data here but I recall it is under 2lbs.  It just assists gravity, assuming a clean shaft.  I sell a coil spring for the old crank systems when converting to electric, it has a little more pull.  

[JKL]

Thank you for your responses!

The flat coil is a nifty approach, but hard to replicate. I have the Flight Enhancements alternative to the vacuum retraction installed. It’s nice, but  no idea how much weight it will “lift”, so have to be wary of too much spring force pulling against it. 

@Takair, I will probably see what I can find locally for a replacement spring, but will be in touch if no “quick” success.

Thanks, everyone!

 

[Echo]

3 hours ago, JKL said:

Hi everyone!

Anyone know what the spring force is for the flat coil spring that helps to deploy the retractable step?

I just removed the vacuum system from my 1965 “E” and removed the bellows servo, etc (for sale if wanted by anyone) for the retractable step. Was cleaning up the shaft for the step and the brackets that the step shaft traverses through and noticed that the coil spring is a bit beaten up so would like to replace it. Need to know the right spring force / length / etc. Anyone?

PM sent.   

[takair]

4 hours ago, JKL said:

Thank you for your responses!

The flat coil is a nifty approach, but hard to replicate. I have the Flight Enhancements alternative to the vacuum retraction installed. It’s nice, but  no idea how much weight it will “lift”, so have to be wary of too much spring force pulling against it. 

@Takair, I will probably see what I can find locally for a replacement spring, but will be in touch if no “quick” success.

Thanks, everyone!

 

I misunderstood the question.  The actuator theoretically handle over 60 lbs, but the pullley system reduces this to about half.  A bunch of that is to overcome friction, so I would keep any additional spring force light….under 2lbs…at top of travel.  LASAR used to sell the OEM spring pretty cheap and I have a different type available.