Checking the half shafts

[mkovalcson]

I finally started the final check on my Banshee before ordering parts. I want to make sure I get everything I need in one order.

I'm having a lot of trouble verifying the half shafts are perfect. I'm pretty sure that they are both within 0.2 degrees. With most helis I would just replace the feathering shaft as a normal part of a rebuild, but this is a lot more effort.

Do you guys have any tricks of the trade to check the half shafts are perfect ?

If I do find they are a bit off do any of you have any suggestions on how to get the half shafts out.

[mkovalcson]

I guess I ask this over on the "official" Banshee forum.

[wblombard]

I think so...none of us has done any building on our Banshee's yet, other than the selected few.

If you could post some pics and updates on the banshee forum it would be interesting to follow

Good luck

[mkovalcson]

Originally Posted by wblombard

I think so...none of us has done any building on our Banshee's yet, other than the selected few.

If you could post some pics and updates on the banshee forum it would be interesting to follow

Good luck

The select few that fly them hard?

I think Marcos shipped his back after the first big crash, I don't recall what happened after his second. Both were "major".

That would leave Helicraze and Mercuriell. Anyone else ?

[marcosp]

First was lighter and I repaired it, I did not change the half shafts and it flew fine even during IRCHA SC 2013. This last crash I got parts in the end and am working on repairs. I might have to check those but I presume most of the main rotor is fine.

[Mercuriell]

It is hard, as they're not really long enough to use a steel rule alongside up against the light - I think that combo of M8 Ti bolt and steel sleeve is pretty tough and I'd be inclined to test in flight - you'll soon know from irregular tracking if they're out of line. If you have the bolts out though I guess rotating the sleeve on the bolt will pick up any deformation as it will bind unless perfectly straight.

[mkovalcson]

Originally Posted by Mercuriell

It is hard, as they're not really long enough to use a steel rule alongside up against the light - I think that combo of M8 Ti bolt and steel sleeve is pretty tough and I'd be inclined to test in flight - you'll soon know from irregular tracking if they're out of line. If you have the bolts out though I guess rotating the sleeve on the bolt will pick up any deformation as it will bind unless perfectly straight.

I don't have them out and I'm unsure of my measuring how straight they are.

They don't look visibly out.

Maybe I should just order a pair of half shafts just in case and if I don't need to use them, I can put them in my drawer.

[Vinger]

Have found that they can take a beating, but if bent, you will find that the sleeve will not fit properly over the bent bolt. So just remove them and if the sleeve is stuck on the bolt then you know the bolt is bent.

Just a note, mine was so full of threadlock that I had a struggle to remove the sleeve from the bolt, a little heat and patience worked for me, cleaned it with acetone and then checked for fit.

[helicraze]

Yes its hard to remove due to loctite, i had a lot of trouble but mine werent bent the crash was medium pace but often the smaller ones seem to do more damage LOL

If in question you already know the answer, pull them out and order new ones

[mkovalcson]

I'm having trouble just getting the bolts out of the ends. I've applied a lot of leverage too.

[smsodhi]

I had trouble removing a bolt from the spindle in the 550 last night. I inserted the hex driver into the bolt and used a blowtorch on the shaft of the driver. It transferred the heat to the bolt and slowly things eased up. FWIW

[Fasster]

Originally Posted by mkovalcson

I'm having trouble just getting the bolts out of the ends. I've applied a lot of leverage too.

Mark if you haven't tried already , use a high powered soldering iron at around 450 dergrees C and hold it on the bolt for about 3 mins ,longer if required and it should crack open for you

[jcflyer]

Mark I use a pencil torch