MD-11
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Rejected Takeoff; Flight Crew Returned To Gate; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
While taking off; rudder pedal movement was very loose for the first 3-4 inches of travel in each direction; then become very stiff/hard. Not a normal feel. Control check on taxi out felt normal. I decided to reject instead of takeoff with possible flight control problems. Light weight; long runway. Reject was begun at approximately 110 KTS without event. Taxied clear; accomplished QRH checklists; and returned to the gate. I felt this was the safest course of action. FO was outstanding in supporting the reject and checklists and radio calls to the Tower during the event.
I believe maintenance found lack of lubrication on pulley and/or cable.
MD-11 flight crew reported rejecting the takeoff and returning to the gate for maintenance when the flying pilot noted abnormal rudder control feel.