Control cable lifespan

[BrendAn]

Just wondering what you guys think about how often you should replace cables if at all.

My cables look in excellent condition when I check them but they are 26years old now.

Edited March 19 by BrendAn

[facthunter]

Corrosion and any strand Breakage. replace. In a lot of Planes a good inspection would be difficult without removal, so IF it's very old why not replace it then?. There have been problems with damaged cables in some Beechcraft from Memory. Your life depends on them. Nev

[skippydiesel]

2 hours ago, BrendAn said:

Just wondering what you guys think about how often you should replace cables if at all.

My cables look in excellent condition when I check them but they are 26years old now.

Just winging it:

 

Depending on cable material (alloys) & proximity to corrosive atmosphere (eg sea) you may have to think about more frequent replacements, just to be safe.

 

Visual inspection may not reveal internal coorosion.

 

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[facthunter]

Perhaps , but rust makes things expand and it should show something if you measure the OD carefully... Cables should be Protected by application of a protective grease. which also stops wear around pulleys (which you Must inspect as well as tension). They are usually canvas reinforced Bakelite with  small ball bearings and a metal strap that doesn't allow the cable to come off.  Nev

[BrendAn]

2 hours ago, facthunter said:

Corrosion and any strand Breakage. replace. In a lot of Planes a good inspection would be difficult without removal, so IF it's very old why not replace it then?. There have been problems with damaged cables in some Beechcraft from Memory. Your life depends on them. Nev

thats what i was thinking. new ones are cheap insurance

[Blueadventures]

One method is replace if worn, distorted, corroded or damaged. AC43 is a reference in chapter 7, section 8 and includes details about inspections.

[rodgerc]

https://services.casa.gov.au/airworth/airwd/ADfiles/airgen/gen/GEN-087.pdf

Edited March 19 by rodgerc