I checked the alignment on the strut when I reinstalled it during the
annual. It is set right at 1.5 front to rear, 0 side to side. I
agree with you that there is something in the ES that is prone to produce this
shake. Finding it is the difficult part. I believe that whatever it
is the flaw is present in most of the ES models that are flying.
There are too many reports of this problem for it to be coincidence.
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Saturday, August 25, 2007 9:07
AM
Subject: [LML] Re: ES Strut issues
Jim,
Since you have done all the logical things without effect, I'm wondering
if there isn't something "built-in" that is causing the problem, like
geometry. The only geometry issue I can think of is the strut rake
angle. The correct angle was the subject of some debate a while
back. All I know is that I set mine at +1.5 degrees (lower end forward)
and I have never had a trace of shimmy. The previous discussion, as I
recall didn't result in a definitive answer, but 0 to +1.5 or so seemed to be
the "correct" rake angle. I have the rebuilt strut since new and have a
different engine mount (for a Lycoming) and either of those might make a
difference, although I'm pretty sure my engine mount is not more rigid than
the standard one. While my strut is not held laterally any better it is
probably more rigid in the fore-and-aft direction because of the different
drag link design.
Gary Casey