Flap Cable ACS

[hayesjaj]

All, during my 337 refurb project, we just put the wings on and were routing the flap cables when I discovered my inboard flap cables (specifically called out in the above) also showed broken strands exactly where this issue was identified. I strongly recommend folks look at this area next time their aircraft is opened up or has the rigging touched.

1460100-7 is the part number.

[hharney]

Guys this is a really old thread but all good

I replaced my flap cables back in 2010 and found several with broken strands that could not be seen until you removed them and bent the cable back.

The reason for broken strands is not load related, but has everything to do with the bell cranks. There is a sharp 90 degree bend in the cable when the flaps are actuated and this continued bending to this extreme force will eventually break the strands. I don't know if these cables would ever fail because there are so many strands that are still attached. However I had my cables out for inspection and had new ones in stock so why not put the new cables in the wings. Personally I think it would take a long time for the good stainless cables to fail. The failures in the field have been on older 336 and early 337 that had the non stainless steel cables and were in high humid environments. It's just peace of mind to check these but be sure to have new ones on the shelf so once you take the originals out you can replace with new, don't put the old ones back in service.

[Melliot]

I'm trying to find as much info on this issue but can't really find it. Does the stainless flap cables have less of a chance for for strands breaking over regular steel cables? Have almost 5000 hours on this P and thinking about at least replacing the two. We have stainless already.

[hharney]

Most cables today are Stainless Steel and that is because of corrosion not broken wires or strands. I would venture to guess that every Skymaster out there has probably got a broken strand or wire and this is not from stainless steel cables but from the design. Because of the radical bend in the design this is what breaks the wires or strands. Back in the day of 336 and maybe early 337 some failures of flap cables could have been from corrosion. With the stainless cables this should be eliminated. For my own peace of mind, I replaced mine just to know for sure what kind of shape they were in. Just have new cables ready to install because you won't want to put the old cables back in once you see the broken wires or strands

[Learjetter]

Who’s got a good source for Flap cables?
PNs: 1460100-7, 1460100-8, and 1460100-34

[hayesjaj]

Originally Posted by Learjetter

Who’s got a good source for Flap cables?
PNs: 1460100-7, 1460100-8, and 1460100-34

Don Nieser at Commodore Aerospace.
McFarlane will also fabricate them.

[Kim Geyer]

A few years ago I had McFarland make me several sets. I have 1 ship set left and no more Skymasters. They are stainless steel. I will list them on eBay mid week next week