Loose stab trim tube assembly

[PinionZero1]

1976 Mooney 20F annual and saw this…. stab trim tube assembly loose.  Is this normal? Tolerances?  Click link below for video.

 

[Wingover]

Looks like the bushing (guide) the rib is worn or missing?? Sometimes the tube might have a wrap around it for protection..

[EricJ]

I don't think I've seen one that's not like that.    Just on the edge of the field of view is the u-joint, so the tube will naturally flex at that u-joint.    The grommet and hole constrain the tube so that the rotation gets transferred to the jack screw.    Mine is like that, too.  

[PT20J]

That’s normal. Just make sure the grommets are in good shape to prevent wearing a groove in the tube and put some grease on them at annual.

[PinionZero1]

Thanks for the replies…. Good input

[MikeOH]

1 hour ago, PT20J said:

That’s normal. Just make sure the grommets are in good shape to prevent wearing a groove in the tube and put some grease on them at annual.

My A&P added teflon tape around the tube to prevent wearing a groove. But, yeah, mine 'flops around' like that, as well.

[PT20J]

27 minutes ago, MikeOH said:

My A&P added teflon tape around the tube to prevent wearing a groove. But, yeah, mine 'flops around' like that, as well.

Not a bad idea. My 1994 M20J came with heat shrink around the tubes at the points where they go through the holes.

[Vance Harral]

Same "slop" in our 1976 M20F.  Like others have mentioned, tape of some sort around the tube is a good idea.  Our actually had a small groove worn in it, but according to the IA who looked at it, not enough to warrant replacement.  The tape has kept it from wearing further.