The International Cessna^® 170 Association

I'm thinking about replacing my old tension tailwheel springs with the new compression springs (they stay "intact" if they break). The A&P tells me the feel will be a lot "harder" through the rudder pedals. Other than that, no real difference (he says).

Any thoughts on using these new type? Would you recommend staying with the old tension style, and then using a cable in the middle as a backup in case a spring broke?

U2Hoog

Never had one break in 20+ years, wouldn't get excited if one did.

I changed to the compression and couldn't get it to release for swivel without excessive chain looseness. I went back to the tension springs.
John

Compression springs are a solution to a non-existant problem.

And they create a NEW PROBLEM! After they compress fully..they over-stress the rudder control circuit by becoming SOLID coils of steel. Next thing that happens is....the rudder cables pull their pulleys completely out of their mountings, and tear the bulkheads to which they were previously attached.

Don't use compression tailwheel steering springs.