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Blade strikes seem to be the number one enemy of the E-Flite Blade CX2 Helicopter. I have them all too often now when I'm flying my heli around. While alternatives exist that help reduce blade strikes, I am currently opting to just keep replacing the rotor blades of my CX2 as I break them. Here's how to quickly replace a rotor blade:
This article applies to Blade CX, CX2 and CX3 models. The photos will be of the CX2 but they all use the same blades.
First you will need to purchase a new set of blades. There are 2 different ones for this helicopter, upper and lower. They are designed opposite since they spin opposite directions of each other so you must use the correct one for your broken blade.
Tip - All replacement parts are not made equal. Change both blades when one breaks.
.large.jpg "Replacement rotor blades from E-Flite")
Replacement rotor blades from E-Flite
To remove the old rotor, unscrew the small screws on the side until they are all the way out being careful not to lose them then unclip the stabilizer bar from whichever rotor blade it's attached to. Check it to make sure it is still straight. If it's bent at all, now is a good time to straighten or replace it.
.large.jpg "Remove both screws")
Remove both screws
The blades should just slide apart from each other if you pull straight out. A gentle twist helps get them to separate.
.large.jpg "Slide apart")
Slide apart
Toss the old rotor blades in the garbage and just slide the two news ones on and together, sliding them tightly so there are no gaps between them. Screw them back in the way you took the old ones out and re-attach the stabilizer bar.
I recommend holding the helicopter in your hand and applying some throttle to check for wobble. If it's wobbling, make sure your new blades are tight and matching in size and slope (did you replace one or both?) Also check your stabilizer bar to make sure it's not bent or deformed in any way. If all of that looks good and you still have wobble, it's possible your inner and outer shafts have been bent or damaged in some way. Remove all rotor blades from the helicopter and remove the stabilizer bar, allowing the shafts to spin freely. Now spin the motors up slowly to see if the shafts wobble with no load while turning. If they do, you will have to replace the inner shaft. If no wobble, you're all set! Enjoy flying!
.large.jpg "Good as new!")
Good as new!
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14 Comments
Post a comment here or discuss this and other topics in the forumsre: How to replace a Blade CX2 rotor blade
Thanks much for the "replacing inner shaft instructions". I had loosened the lower screws but it was not coming out easily and I was afraid to break something; but your instructions clarified and I got it fixed quick.
re: How to replace a Blade CX2 rotor blade
Hi, just came across your site and found some very useful info. Am new to heli's and got my cx2 about a month ago. Problem is mine has got from what I've read "the toilet bowl effect"! Cant remember where i read it but dont know how to sort it, any ideas?
re: How to replace a Blade CX2 rotor blade
I've heard of the toilet bowl effect being a result of a bad swashplate or some other sort of imprecision (loose linkage), etc.. but mostly what I've heard people say is that the only way to correct it is to get better at piloting :)I'm not totally sure what you should do. I recommend finding an RC Forum and asking on there. If you find good results, please feel free to post them back here as a comment for all to see!Thank you
re: How to replace a Blade CX2 rotor blade
Great "How to". Thanks. Now how do you replace the lower blades? They're not as easy.
re: How to replace a Blade CX2 rotor blade
It should be exactly the same as the upper except you don't have to bother disconnecting the stabilizer bar. Just undo the screws and slide them out then reverse the step with the new blades.
re: How to replace a Blade CX2 rotor blade
But I can't seem to disconnect the lower roter head/swash linkage ( taken from the exploded view in the back ). They seem to be pins connecting them and not screws. Am I doing something wrong?This is my first Heli.
re: How to replace a Blade CX2 rotor blade
Rick,To disconnect the linkage, I often times will take a flat-head screwdriver carefully pry at the linkage until it pops off. It's difficult to do with just your fingers so a small tool is usually a good idea. Good luck!
re: How to replace a Blade CX2 rotor blade
Need to know how to replace the Blade cx lower rotor head???Thanks
re: How to replace a Blade CX2 rotor blade
Thanks for the guide, i couldn't find a guide like yours and i searched at least an hour! I wanted a basic aid that had step by step instructions and you had them. Thanks a lot.
re: How to replace a Blade CX2 rotor blade
I also need to know how to replace the CX2 lower rotor head.
re: How to replace a Blade CX2 rotor blade
I have the parts to replace the lower rotor head, but am unsure how to replace it. Can you offer any help with that?
Need to know how to replace
Need to know how to replace the lower rotor head???Thanks
Replacing the outer shaft / lower head
The outer shaft and lower head are the same piece. To replace, start by Removing the inner shaft / upper head. After that is out, disconnect the servo linkage arms, remove anything holding the gear on underneath and then slide the whole thing up and out. When you replace all of it, make sure to use Tri-Flow or another very good lubricant. DO NOT use WD-40 under any circumstances. It will gum up eventually.
lower rotor head replasement
I need some help on my Blade CX2. The lower rotor head broke and I'm replacing it with an aluminum lower rotor head. If you can send me some instructions on how to fix that, that would be great! Thanks!
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