Rocket gear leg installation and alignment
HR2 gear typically bolts to the EM similarly to the RV-4. I don't know the bolt size required.
The F1 Rocket upper gear legs are completely different and align into a tapered socket. The F1 upper connection is NOT through bolted.
The axle end is a through bolt connection. I recall it being a 5/16" bolt (AN5-XX)
We recommend alignment be done with flying weight on the plane. We use 1600#. That usually means adding sandbags to get the plane to the right weight, filling the tanks, etc. as needed.
- Tailwheel on the ground.
- Main wheels on greased plates.
- Wheel pants off.
- Clamp a 6' straight edge to each brake disc and level it parallel to the floor. (angle aluminum or similar works well)
- Drop a plump bob from the tip of the spinner
- Snap a line (or use a string) from the tailwheel to the spinner plumb bob. (Ignore engine offset, for those who think that far ahead)
- Take some measurements to how far out of alignment the angles are from the center line.
- Set the axles to ZERO toe-in or out. Ignore the camber.
- Adjust as needed.
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We make an F1 specific gear leg/axle socket clamp which makes this job safe and relatively easy. HR2 axles will require their own clamps, or it is possible to use a set screw(s) to position the axle socket. Be careful and don't make divots in the gear leg. YMMV!
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You didn't ask but drilling titanium is like drilling carbon steel. Do the following:
- use new, high quality drill bits
- do not let the bit spin and harden the titanium
- slow turning speed
- keep it cutting
- plenty of pressure
- lots of oil
- drill undersize and step up to the final size incrementally.
Titanium is tough. If your bit starts spinning, and not cutting, switch to a new bit
immediately! Make certain that the new bit starts cutting immediately, oil, slow speed, plenty of pressure.... so you don't ruin a gear leg or make the problem worse.
It's easier to do this on a drill press (or mill), but it CAN be done on the plane. Taking the legs off to use a drill press means supporting the plane. Plan carefully!