Brake Adjustments

 Abstract:  How to adjust brakes to work well in both directions.

Subject: Brake adjustments
From: "Ray" <jb92563
Date: 3/15/09 2:36 PM
To: G109_Pilots@yahoogroups.com

How are the rudder brakes adjusted?

It seems that my left brake works fine but the right one does seem to engage at the end of the right rudder travel.  Both brakes DO engage together via the spoiler handle.  I am thinking that the linkage needs adjusting but do not know where to look.  Under the seat?

Ray

Subject: Re: [G109_Pilots] Brake adjustments
From: Bill Knoll
Date: 3/15/09 4:53 PM
To: G109_Pilots@yahoogroups.com

Under the seat is correct. I believe you can acccess the adjustment through the stick opening (just remove the stick cover - 4 screws).

Subject: Re: [G109_Pilots] Brake adjustments
From: Richard Pearl
Date: 3/15/09 5:19 PM
To: G109_Pilots@yahoogroups.com

I suggest taking the whole seat out (actually, remove them both) to see what's down there. Everything will become clear. I've got the 109 "A" and assume the "B" is similarly set up. Have you checked to make sure that there's no air in the brake line?

Richard

Subject: Re: [G109_Pilots] Brake adjustments
From:
Date: 3/15/09 9:13 PM
To: <G109_Pilots@yahoogroups.com>

Well it sounds as if it is indeed time to remove the seats and also check the fluid levels.I have had the whole insides out several times and done some patch work on the flimsy center consol. Good luck! Paul

Subject: Re: [G109_Pilots] Re: Brake adjustments
From:
Date: 3/16/09 12:44 PM
To: <G109_Pilots@yahoogroups.com>

I was taught some sixty plus years ago to NOT leave the parking brake on unless it really was necessary! You can check when they are unlocked by a visual of the clearance on the pucks. They should not be firmly on the braking surface. Good luck! Paul
----- Original Message -----
From: Ray
To: G109_Pilots@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2009 7:54 AM
Subject: [G109_Pilots] Re: Brake adjustments

Good to know,

I will check this out and make the adjustment.

Oddly, everything was working fine last time I flew but it has been sitting for 5 months with the parking brake on.

Perhaps the parking brake is not good to leave on that long?

It will likely become clear when I take the seat out and look at the brake fluid level and adjustment.

Thanks for the tips,

Ray
G-109A

Subject: Re: [G109_Pilots] Re: Brake adjustments
From: Richard Pearl
Date: 3/16/09 12:55 PM
To: G109_Pilots@yahoogroups.com

My IA also advised me not to set the parking brake. If a good set of chocks and tie downs can't stop the plane from moving, you've got bigger problems.

I've got a problem with the push-in "gizzmo" on the parking brake lever being essentially frozen. I've tried the normal things (lubricant, use of pliers, etc.). Anyone else experience this?

Richard

Subject: Re: [G109_Pilots] Re: Brake adjustments
From: Richard Pearl
Date: 3/16/09 1:12 PM
To: G109_Pilots@yahoogroups.com

Thanks. I'll try it later this week.

Richard

Subject: Re: [G109_Pilots] Re: Brake adjustments
From:
Date: 3/16/09 1:04 PM
To: <G109_Pilots@yahoogroups.com>

SIT in the plane and push as hard as you can on the brake pedal then push the "gizmo" in! Should work! Paul

Subject: Re: Brake adjustments
From: "Ray" <jb92563
Date: 3/16/09 7:54 AM
To: G109_Pilots@yahoogroups.com

Good to know,

I will check this out and make the adjustment.

Oddly, everything was working fine last time I flew but it has been sitting for 5 months with the parking brake on.

Perhaps the parking brake is not good to leave on that long?

It will likely become clear when I take the seat out and look at the brake fluid level and adjustment.

Thanks for the tips,

Ray
G-109A

Subject: re: brakes
From: "Stu Ostrander" <saberraider24
Date: 3/16/09 9:52 PM
To: G109_Pilots@yahoogroups.com

I posted a group of pictures of the components under the seats and center console. The master cylinders are clearly visible. Access is easy but pictures on the computer sometimes aid in recall before heading out to the airplane.

I assume Ray's brake issue is resolved by now but I find pictures help refresh my memory later as to layout, etc.

Subject: Re: [G109_Pilots] Re: brakes
From:
Date: 3/17/09 8:05 AM
To: <G109_Pilots@yahoogroups.com>

YES! Paul
----- Original Message -----
From: Ray
To: G109_Pilots@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, March 17, 2009 7:17 AM
Subject: [G109_Pilots] Re: brakes

I guess those 4 grommets in the seats is where the 1/4 turn lock screws are located?

Ray

Subject: Re: [G109_Pilots] Re: brakes
From: Richard Pearl
Date: 3/17/09 8:35 AM
To: G109_Pilots@yahoogroups.com

If you're going to open everything up, I would also suggest bleeding the brake lines to eliminate any trapped air in the lines. You've got to release the cables from the cylinders (label which one is on top) and disconnect the spring from the rear panel. I use a small oil "gun" with the appropriate plastic tubing. Remember to use the appropriate brake fluid.

Richard

Subject: Re: brakes
From: "Ray" <jb92563
Date: 3/17/09 7:14 AM
To: G109_Pilots@yahoogroups.com

Thanks for the pics Stu,

I have not taken the seats out yet so your pictures are very usefull to understand what is going on in there.

Ray

Subject: Re: brakes
From: "williamberson" <whodunit
Date: 3/17/09 9:16 AM
To: G109_Pilots@yahoogroups.com

The brake cylinder at the wheel usually needs to be serviced about every 5 years or so. Remove the piston and clean the corrosion inside and install a new $2 O-ring. Then add new DOT-3 brake fluid as Richard suggested.
Bill