SNX-L03-14 Machined Tailwheel...
Some time ago,I have purchased the same item from Aircraft Spruce:
> **[Sonex Tailwheel 4 X 1-1/2 with 1-1/2 Hub Length | Aircraft Spruce ®](https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/lgpages/sonexwheel4.php)**
>
> Sonex Tailwheel 4 X 1-1/2 with 1-1/2 Hub Length This sand-cast aluminum cores combine weight, economy and long life with maximum strength. The single-wall construction offers a light yet durable wheel with the ability to absorb impact. Engi
But its quality is poor to me: the rim and “tire” were not turned to the correct thickness. It is flush with the hub which does not allow any installation within the original caster. And, the bearings are NOT sealed AND there is no lateral deflectors.
Has anyone any thoughts about this topic and some suggestion for a supplier for the Darcor tail-wheel, as per the original part?
Thanks for reading.
Waiex S/N W0026 – T/D – HB–YMY – Jabiru 3300 – AeroCarb – Sensenich W54SK-64G
Maiden Flight 22nd July 08
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### Author:  [@Bryan\_Cotton](https://sonexpilots.org/u/Bryan_Cotton)
#### Post date: [June 13, 2026, 2:55am UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/4-in-tail-wheel-replacement/5729/2 "2026-06-13T02:55:43Z")
Sosthène,
Check out this old thread:
> [@Tailwheel Bearings](https://sonexpilots.org/t/tailwheel-bearings/1473):
>
> Tailwheel Bearings Posted: Sat Nov 11, 2023 1:04 pm by Bryan Cotton So my kid had Ben’s cross country Onex video on the big TV last night. Close to home he had a failed tailwheel bearing. Here is the video: [https://youtu.be/Sbki\_lqjcW8?si=zFsN9ICilNvVb5Wn](https://web.archive.org/web/20240821032006/https://youtu.be/Sbki_lqjcW8?si=zFsN9ICilNvVb5Wn) Took a closer look at my tailwheel and the stock bearings are crap! When I spin the wheel by hand, tail up on a sawhorse, the bolt spins. Anyone have a good part number or source for replacements? In the video description there is a shortc…
I used the same wheel from Sonex/Aircraft Spruce but I replaced the bearings. I know the quality of the part seems poor, but we have had good luck with them. I’m on my third one, and I have a Peter Anson tailwheel for the next one.
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### Author:  [@Sosthene](https://sonexpilots.org/u/Sosthene)
#### Post date: [June 13, 2026, 1:02pm UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/4-in-tail-wheel-replacement/5729/3 "2026-06-13T13:02:12Z")
Thank you Brian, for your testimony and repair tips.
Obviously my concerns about the poor quality wheel are justified.
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### Author:  [@Ron](https://sonexpilots.org/u/Ron)
#### Post date: [June 13, 2026, 1:06pm UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/4-in-tail-wheel-replacement/5729/4 "2026-06-13T13:06:17Z")
I replaced mine with a Peter Anson tailwheel assembly. A great improvement. Later, I replaced the pneumatic tire with a solid wheel of the same dimensions. No more flat tires.
Ron Jacob
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### Author:  [@David-A](https://sonexpilots.org/u/David-A)
#### Post date: [June 13, 2026, 3:24pm UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/4-in-tail-wheel-replacement/5729/5 "2026-06-13T15:24:23Z")
Back in 2008 the tail wheel i received had full complement ball bearings. In that type of bearing the balls are in contact with one another and thus the contact **points** are moving in opposite directions where they meet. Not what you want in high speed applications. in proper precision ball bearings, the balls are separated by a cage that isolates each, and contact to the cage is over a broad area, where lubrication works well. I replaced mine with a 6" one from Colson casters that included precision sealed ball bearings cost then about $15. and i bought a spare, but never needed it in 14 flying seasons. I made my own mount for it, but if doing again would use Sonex later machined 6" tail wheel bracket. A year or so, saw a picture in EAA Sport Aviation of anther make plane that was using a tail wheel from one of the well known vendors of such. Guess what, Exactly the same Colson Caster.
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### Author:  [@Sosthene](https://sonexpilots.org/u/Sosthene)
#### Post date: [June 14, 2026, 6:22pm UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/4-in-tail-wheel-replacement/5729/6 "2026-06-14T18:22:11Z")
Thank you Ron!
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### Author:  [@Bryan\_Cotton](https://sonexpilots.org/u/Bryan_Cotton)
#### Post date: [June 14, 2026, 6:25pm UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/4-in-tail-wheel-replacement/5729/7 "2026-06-14T18:25:02Z")
> [@Ron](#):
>
> Later, I replaced the pneumatic tire with a solid wheel of the same dimensions.
Ron,
Do you have a link or part number for that wheel?
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### Author:  [@Sosthene](https://sonexpilots.org/u/Sosthene)
#### Post date: [June 14, 2026, 6:33pm UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/4-in-tail-wheel-replacement/5729/8 "2026-06-14T18:33:32Z")
Thank you David, for your reminder on ball bearings.
I can confirm that the one I’m not willing to install has no cage in it, though it might rotate at as much or higher than 7300 rpm!
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### Author:  [@Bryan\_Cotton](https://sonexpilots.org/u/Bryan_Cotton)
#### Post date: [June 17, 2026, 8:04pm UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/4-in-tail-wheel-replacement/5729/9 "2026-06-17T20:04:59Z")
Ron sent me a vendor and p/n. The p/n is no longer available it seems, but here are the thermoplastic rubber wheels in the right family.
> **[Thermoplastic Rubber Wheels - Soft Rubber Wheel - Rubber Caster Wheels](https://shop.servicecaster.com/thermoplastic-rubber-wheels-s/1899.htm)**
Also they have bushings for our 5/8" axles.
> **[Caster Spanner Bushings](https://shop.servicecaster.com/Caster-Spanner-Bushings-s/4158.htm)**
>
> Spanner Bushings to secure the fit between the wheels and axles of casters for smoother and more reliable operation and reduce any wobbling.
They also have bearings. I would not be shocked if the bearings I linked earlier would fit also. It looks like they both have 1 3/8" OD.
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### Author:  [@Sosthene](https://sonexpilots.org/u/Sosthene)
#### Post date: [June 18, 2026, 9:56am UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/4-in-tail-wheel-replacement/5729/10 "2026-06-18T09:56:23Z")
Hi Bryan,
Thank you for these references which might be helpful at some point.
In the mean time, I contacted Darcor -Tente, actually. Email: [sales.darcor.ca@tente.com](mailto:sales.darcor.ca@tente.com)
They quickly answered me that the part number for the 4 in wheel replacement is:
W-64-XD
It has a neoprene Rubber wheel with precision sealed bearings and its dimensions would fit since this was the very item I received with my Waiex kit back in 2005.
This item seems to be available. They are waiting for shipping freight costs to Switzerland as of yet.
I hope I can place a purchase order within the next few days.
I’ll keep the forum posted on how this goes further.
Thanks again.
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### Author:  [@Sosthene](https://sonexpilots.org/u/Sosthene)
#### Post date: [June 25, 2026, 10:31am UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/4-in-tail-wheel-replacement/5729/11 "2026-06-25T10:31:04Z")
Hi Gentlemen,
A few days ago, I placed a purchase order ton Tente Canada, for W-64-XD Tail-Wheels.
They should ship te me by today…
I will let you know when they arrive in Switzerland.
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### Author:  [@Bryan\_Cotton](https://sonexpilots.org/u/Bryan_Cotton)
#### Post date: [June 25, 2026, 3:30pm UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/4-in-tail-wheel-replacement/5729/12 "2026-06-25T15:30:00Z")
Sosthène,
Can you weigh this wheel when you receive it? I am curious how it compares to the aluminum wheel from Aircraft Spruce.
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### Author:  [@Sosthene](https://sonexpilots.org/u/Sosthene)
#### Post date: [June 26, 2026, 3:26pm UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/4-in-tail-wheel-replacement/5729/13 "2026-06-26T15:26:00Z")
Yes, I will.
In the meantime, I just weighed two 4" wheels that I have here:
- ACS 4" wheel : 475 g
- Used 4" Darcor wheel : 310 g
Assuming about 10% wear mass of the Darcor wheel, it gives a 35% mass difference against the ACS wheel.
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### Author:  [@Sosthene](https://sonexpilots.org/u/Sosthene)
#### Post date: [June 29, 2026, 12:27pm UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/4-in-tail-wheel-replacement/5729/14 "2026-06-29T12:27:31Z")
Hello,
I just received the Darcor W-64-XD 4" replacement wheels (same as delivered by Sonex in their kit back in 2005), a few minutes ago.
They weigh between 348 and 352 g.
As expected, the mass gain is about 35 % vs the ACS replacement part… remember, this at the most aft station of the aircraft.
Also, their quality is beyond comparison with competing products.
Tente/Darcor have done a great job with this purchase order.
Cheers
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### Author:  [@SkippyDiesel](https://sonexpilots.org/u/SkippyDiesel)
#### Post date: [June 30, 2026, 5:22am UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/4-in-tail-wheel-replacement/5729/15 "2026-06-30T05:22:47Z")
I am contemplating changing my API 4" tail wheel, to an API 6".
Depending on single fork or two fork configuration, the weight difference (from the 4") will be 0.06 kg (2.1 oz) & 0.15 kg (5.2 oz).
My Legacy is a tad nose heavy. I use up elevator/stick back in Cruise, when no weight in baggage area.
I know I should do the proper W&B calculations but just wondering what effect (if any) I will notice, with the two 6 " increases in weight, so far back & of course a smidgeon more drag? 😈
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### Author:  [@Bryan\_Cotton](https://sonexpilots.org/u/Bryan_Cotton)
#### Post date: [June 30, 2026, 3:01pm UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/4-in-tail-wheel-replacement/5729/16 "2026-06-30T15:01:48Z")
If only someone on the old forum had modified their excel W&B for you with the airplane numbers you provided, it would be a simple exercise to plug in the new number and get an answer.
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### Author:  [@Bryan\_Cotton](https://sonexpilots.org/u/Bryan_Cotton)
#### Post date: [August 1, 2026, 2:04am UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/4-in-tail-wheel-replacement/5729/17 "2026-08-01T02:04:02Z")
I took Sosthène’s suggestion and ordered a couple of those wheels. I installed one tonight.
I left off the steel covers. It was 33g that I didn’t think I needed. Haven’t flown with it yet. That’s 0.25 lbs off the very back of the airplane.
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### Author:  [@SkippyDiesel](https://sonexpilots.org/u/SkippyDiesel)
#### Post date: [August 1, 2026, 5:45am UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/4-in-tail-wheel-replacement/5729/18 "2026-08-01T05:45:05Z")
150 x 50mm (6 x 2") pneumatic is sooo much better than the 4"
 😈
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### Author:  [@Sosthene](https://sonexpilots.org/u/Sosthene)
#### Post date: [August 2, 2026, 9:01am UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/4-in-tail-wheel-replacement/5729/19 "2026-08-02T09:01:06Z")
Hi Bryan,
Thanks for the info. I’m happy that the references I gave were useful to you.
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### Author:  [@TomHelm](https://sonexpilots.org/u/TomHelm)
#### Post date: [August 2, 2026, 1:07pm UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/4-in-tail-wheel-replacement/5729/20 "2026-08-02T13:07:24Z")
I changed my tailwheel assembly to a 6” inflatable unit from Peter Anson in Australia. ([ansoneng.com](http://ansoneng.com)) He offers several options. I bought the aluminum wheel assembly with the grey tire but changed the tire to a higher inflation rated tire. That required fabricating a stronger wheel back plate to withstand the higher psi. The inflatable tire eliminates the tailwheel noise during taxi as well as improved directional traction. I also came up with some spare wheels (wheelchair wheels), one of which I carry in case of a flat, which is easier to change than repairing a flat away from home.
I have purchased several components from him for my Onex, all well designed, and he is responsive to inquires.
TNHelm, 0137 OneX
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