Gary:
Our 78 Sport 150 (Ser#MB901) is in for the annual and they found a couple strands sticking up on one of the aileron control cables. Was right near a pulley just under and behind the fuel selector valve (runs back and turns out toward the left wing). Also found some on the flap control cable as well. The P/N I was given for the aileron cable is 169-524040-13. RAPID says none available and can’t get one until MAY!!!!. Any other sources out there for these cables? Flap cable is on the way.
Bob Steward, A&P-IA:
This is an oft overlooked item, control cables at the pulleys. In many foreign countries they must REMOVE them from the plane for inspection and REPLACE them on a schedule.
In the US we are allowed to run them “on condition” based on periodic inspections, however you really can not see the strands and will be shocked at the wear if you were to take the cable out and flex it at the area of
the pulley.
You can take the existing one out and order a replacement by description from Aircraft Spruce and many other sources.
http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/appages/customcables.php
Just think about the 25-30-42 years of corrosion and wear and tear on your cables… Its time to check them all carefully and probably replace the bulk of them!
Bob Steward, A&P IA