Rudder Control System - Maintenance Practices; Rudder Pedal Assembly Removal/Installation; Rudder Removal/Installation; Rudder Control Adjustment/Test - Cessna 172 Series 1996 Maintenance Manual

CESSNA AIRCRAFT COMPANY
MODEL 172
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
RUDDER CONTROL SYSTEM - MAINTENANCE PRACTICES
1. General
A. Rudder control is maintained through use of conventional rudder pedals which also control nose wheel
steering. The system is comprised of rudder pedals, cables and pulleys, all of which link the pedals
to the rudder and nose wheel steering. For an illustration of the rudder system, refer to Figure 201.
2. Rudder Pedal Assembly Removal/Installation
A. Remove Rudder Pedal Assembly (Refer to Figure 201).
(1) Remove upholstery from area below instrument panel as necessary.
(2) Disconnect master cylinders at pilot rudder pedals.
(3) Disconnect parking brake cables at master cylinders.
(4) Remove rudder pedals and brake links.
(5) Relieve cable tension at clevis adjustments.
(6) Disconnect cables, return springs, trim bungee and steering tubes from rudder bars.
(7) Remove bolts securing bearing blocks and work rudder bars out of area below instrument panel.
B. Install Rudder Pedal Assembly (Refer to Figure 201).
NOTE: Rudder bar assemblies should be checked for excessive wear before installation. The
bearing blocks are nylon and require no lubrication unless binding occurs. A few drops of
(1) Position rudder bars in area below instrument panel and secure bearing blocks with bolts.
(2) Reconnect cables, return springs, trim bungee and steering tubes to rudder bars.
(3) Set distance from pivot shaft to firewall at 6.50 inches.
(4) Install rudder pedals and brake links.
(5)
Connect parking brake cables at master cylinders.
(6) Connect master cylinders at pilot rudder pedals.
(7)
Install upholstery to tunnel area as necessary.
3. Rudder Removal/Installation
A. Remove Rudder (Refer to Figure 201).
(1) Disconnect shackles at rudder bellcrank.
(2)
Disconnect tail navigation light quick-disconnect at bottom of rudder.
(3) With rudder supported, remove hinge bolts (including electrical bonding strap) and lift rudder
free of vertical fin.
B.
Install Rudder (Refer to Figure 201).
(1) Install rudder (with electrical bonding strap) to vertical fin. Torque nuts to 50 to 70 inch pounds
plus free running torque.
(2)
Reconnect tail navigation light quick-disconnect at bottom of rudder.
(3) Attach shackles to rudder bellcrank.
NOTE: Do not over tighten. Shackle must pivot freely.
4. Rudder Control Adjustment/Test
A. Rig Rudder Controls.
NOTE: For rudder travel angles, refer to Chapter 6, Airplane Dimensions and Specifications -
Description and Operation.
(1) Using a digital inclinometer, adjust travel stops on rudder to obtain proper rudder travel.
27-20-00 Page 201
Aug 18/2001