new torque tube bent?

[Bronek]

I was forced to replace boom with torque tube recently in my trex 450 pro and as a result bought some spare new ones. When installing in my heli I noticed that the torque tube is slightly bent - some 0.5mm to 1mm. Nothing that would prevent it from working, but it does cause some bad vibrations in tail. Compared with the other torque tube in the pack and it's the same! Are these supposed to be true, or "bent is the new straight"? I'm sure these are genuine Align parts, bought from well known and respected shops. How do you deal with this?

[Bronek]

FWIW, I ordered some torque tubes from Hobby King for comparison. Will post results here when they arrive

[tonystevens]

don't think ive ever seen a truly straight align torque tube and ive seen a lot!. Not that they ever cause any concern

[helimadness]

Yep all mine for the 500 and never perfect. Kinda bugs me a bit as im sure doesn't help towards vibes.
They should make them in carbon. Im sure a better chance of getting them straight than the putty soft alloy ones.

[Bronek]

Re: new torque tube bent?

carbon fibre torque tube .... I guess you just found another upgrade for Quick UK or KDE Direct to push to market

[helimadness]

Actually don't think it would be that hard to make. Just get a carbon tube the same Diameter. cut the ends off the allow one and get a sleeve to join them on and glue together. Now there's another project.

[JoeBailey]

If your feeling particularly anal about your TT you could use one of these.

AAE Arrow Straightener - from Merlin Archery Ltd

On larger helis arrow shafts make very good replacements for TT shafts.

[Bronek]

Re: new torque tube bent?

"the tool will pay for itself after straightening a few dozen" torque tubes. No, thank you, hopefully I won't need this many, ever