"Sticking" flaperons

[Hambone]

There is "stiction" in the flaperons. It seems to be caused by one or more of the flaperon hinges. It sticks, creaks, then pops loose when moving the stick left and right. It is making pattern work very difficult! It is especially noticeable when the autopilot is working to keep the wings level in turbulence.

Anyone else have this issue?

[FlyingMonkey]

There is sn aileron centering spring, is that what you are feeling?  Or is it a new sensation?

[Hambone]

I don't think it's the centering spring. There is distinct stiction as the stick is moved left and right. Eventually the stick force overcomes the stiction, and the flaperons move. Squirting a bit of lubricant on the hinges partially helps until it wears off.

[Hambone]

I'm afraid it is also putting an excessive load on the aileron autopilot servo... and on my arm, too!

[FlyingMonkey]

You probably need a thicker lubricant on the hinges, like some grease on a Q-Tip.  Youmay have to get your mechanic to disassemble and service all the pivot points and lube the rod end bearings.

[Hambone]

It appears to be the outboard left wing flaperon hinge.