Today I found the source of the problems with the brakes on my KR-2. I had suspended the rudder pedals and the master cylinders from the bottom 1/4-inch plywood on the 'C' channel on the firewall. When the rudder pedals were each pushed forward, my shoes tended to jam between the vertical section of the rudder bar and the master cylinder. I had tried bare feet taxiing, but the KR pedals were to hard on my feet to permit full brake pressure. The last taxi attempt resulted in several near misses trying to avoid running off the taxiway, T-hangars getting in the way, sticking brakes and the last straw - the dreaded magnetic fire hydrant would not get out of the way. I shut down the engine and managed to stop about 10 feet short of disaster. When the brake pedals were moved by hand, all seemed ok. When the pedals were carefully moved with feet, the extra pressure caused some binding. Close inspection revealed a wear point on the KR aluminum pedal and an AN-3 bolt head on the rudder bar. That was the binding point. There is nothing inherently wrong with suspending the rudder pedals from an overhead hinge point. Lots of aircraft use this mounting method. Problem is: the KR rudder pedal bars were designed to be floor mounted. Any time you deviate from the plans, you best know what you are doing and what the consequences will be. I have several options for a cure: Grind the edge of the pedal to clear the bolt head. That still will not provide clearance for my shoes. Re-work the pedal linkage for more clearance. That would provide some relief, but full rudder and brake deflection would still get shoes jammed. Or, take out the over head suspension and mount the rudder pedals and master cylinders on the floor. That would be the most time consuming, but the best long term solution. Any other ideas?
Sid Wood Tri-gear KR-2 N6242 Mechanicsville, MD, USA smw...@md.metrocast.net
