# 4 in Tail-Wheel Replacement
**URL:** https://sonexpilots.org/t/4-in-tail-wheel-replacement/5729
**Category:** Legacy Waiex
**Tags:** Tail-Wheel
**Created:** [June 13, 2026, 12:53am UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/4-in-tail-wheel-replacement/5729 "2026-06-13T00:53:02Z")
**Posts on this page:** 5
**Page:** 2
### Author:  [@Bryan\_Cotton](https://sonexpilots.org/u/Bryan_Cotton)
#### Post date: [August 2, 2026, 3:01pm UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/4-in-tail-wheel-replacement/5729/21 "2026-08-02T15:01:25Z")
> [@TomHelm](#):
>
> I changed my tailwheel assembly to a 6” inflatable unit from Peter Anson in Australia.
I’ve got one on the shelf. This replacement 4" tailwheel is a quick weight savings project. Plus when I finish my Hummelbird, it’s a great candidate for that airplane.
My Anson tailwheel:
> [@Tailwheel fork](https://sonexpilots.org/t/tailwheel-fork/5223/15):
>
> I took a closer look at the tailwheel fork I just replaced. It’s cracked through on the left side, inboard of where I welded it back together. The reinforcement that I welded on is the only thing holding that side together. I’ve figured out the final solution I think, with some help from others: This is Peter Anson’s 6” tailwheel. I’ll get a final weight when I swap it but I’m pretty sure it weighs almost exactly the same as my current 4” tailwh…
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### Author:  [@SkippyDiesel](https://sonexpilots.org/u/SkippyDiesel)
#### Post date: [August 3, 2026, 12:03am UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/4-in-tail-wheel-replacement/5729/22 "2026-08-03T00:03:07Z")
Follow up;
The photo I posted ,above, is of a Peter Anson (Hota Tyre, Nylon Rim) Wheel, fitted to an API 6" Fork
Significant improvement over the previous API 4" (solid wheel/fork) - much better grass taxying and a lot quieter on sealed runway.
6" Slightly heavier than the 4" ( +0.213kg).
Other than a possible slight change in Cruise trim adjustment, has not had a noticeable impacted on flight characteristics.
😈
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### Author:  [@Ausparry](https://sonexpilots.org/u/Ausparry)
#### Post date: [August 3, 2026, 4:52am UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/4-in-tail-wheel-replacement/5729/23 "2026-08-03T04:52:03Z")
I originally installed the Sonex supplied light weight version of the 6" solid tail wheel assembly which weight 1133grams.
The Anson engineering 6" wheel assembly (Grey tired aluminiumrimmed air filled) only weighs 725 grams. That’s just shy of 1 pound savings right at the tail wheel!
The other upside is I don’t get any of that tin canning noise that many complain about.
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### Author:  [@TomHelm](https://sonexpilots.org/u/TomHelm)
#### Post date: [August 10, 2026, 12:46pm UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/4-in-tail-wheel-replacement/5729/24 "2026-08-10T12:46:13Z")
On the aluminum Anson tailwheel assembly, be sure to keep the pressure up on the tire as I had neglected to do. I rolled the tire off the rim and stretched the bead making the tire unusable. Fortunately, no damage to the aluminum wheel occurred, but steering was sloppy during taxi back to the hanger.
On that tailwheel the gray colored tire is rated to only about 35 psi. I fabricated a thicker back plate for the wheel and then purchased a tire rated to 85 psi and installed. I now keep the pressure above 50 psi to avoid the same problem. Even with the higher psi, there is no noticeable difference in vibration or noise compared to the original lower psi tire.
TNHelm, OneX 0137
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### Author:  [@Bryan\_Cotton](https://sonexpilots.org/u/Bryan_Cotton)
#### Post date: [August 11, 2026, 1:39am UTC](https://sonexpilots.org/t/4-in-tail-wheel-replacement/5729/25 "2026-08-11T01:39:08Z")
> [@Sosthene](#):
>
> Darcor W-64-XD 4"
I’ve got 9 landings on the new tailwheel so far. Seems good. I need some hairy crosswinds to fully evaluate it.
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