There are often two sets of springs used for a tailwheel assembly.
The heaviest is the set of leaf springs that are used to connect the
fuselage to the tailwheel bracket. Over time, these springs sag and
instead of the tailwheel pivot being vertical, it changes to trailing and
that promotes shimmy.
[img width=500 height=341]
https://glasair-owners.com/wp-content/u ... 64x385.jpg[/img]
Some people try to save $$$ and re-arch the springs but I've had
them break - the big leaf springs - and that's not good, when the
tailwheel falls off. Change them every decade or two. They have
a life cycle limit. From a notable contributor here (one of my two
favorite socialists (really)):
[img width=500 height=281]
[/img]
Don't do that, even if you're a socialist, ok?
The other set of tailwheel springs is the two light tension springs (for
maximum confusion, Maule compression springs shown) that connect
the steering horn to the tailwheel.
[img]
https://secure.steenaero.com/Store/imag ... 20x240.jpg[/img]
Over time these springs stretch and as Peter says, need to have a link
taken out of each side or even replaced, when the spring is done. There's
a bit of a dance to removing links. Hint: zip ties and two pairs of pliers.
Be careful during your pre-flight to ensure that the four spring end connectors
have NOT opened up because when they let go, it's not fun. If you see
them opening up on the pre-flight, give them a squeeze with the water pump
pliers.
[img]
https://www.aircraftspruce.com/cache/37 ... 15400a.jpg[/img]
99% of pilots depart the runway when those clips let go. The tailwheel
is fully deflected, and that requires an unusually skilled pilot (probably
less than 10 in all of Canada) to keep it on the runway. I personally like
to replace them with the link type:
[img width=500 height=500]
https://images.homedepot-static.com/pro ... 4_1000.jpg[/img]
Forty-seven years of tailwheel flying, and counting, which explains why
TC still won't return my laptop and phone, after nearly three years after
they were seized. I hope Arlo's kids appreciate them.