B737-400
Maintenance Airframe; Maintenance Powerplant
Communication Breakdown; Confusion; Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General Maintenance Action
Chart Or Publication; Aircraft; Company Policy; Manuals; Human Factors
May 2011; Task Card XXX [was] completed by me on both the left-hand and right-hand Elevator Tabs. I reviewed the past completed [Task] Card in the Inspection Office to compare my numbers of the Tab free-play and the last inspection. Reviewed history of the tabs and found no work was accomplished in the last year on them. When the inspection was complete; the hardware installation to my understanding of the Task Card was correct. February 2012; Inspector X completed the same inspection and found a washer missing on the left-hand tab; number one hinge; between the inboard bushing and bearing. The tab has been removed and replaced with; I think; new hardware.The Task Card refers you to different drawing [illustration] numbers for different tab configurations and the drawing number this event occurrence deals with is XXXXXX411. On the surface [the Task Card] appears straight forward; but is incomplete and confusing; the references do not match from one page to the next. Page # 4; explains the quantity (QTY) of parts in the build-up of the hinge [assembly] for one side of the airplane. The number of washers and their build-up is confusing; as there is no 'number' of how many washers are to be used; item (h) said maximum of three under the [bolt] head. This and other problems with the entire Task Card package for this job were brought to the attention of our Air Carrier Management back in late 2010. They said they would correct the [Task] Cards; however nothing has been done to date. No work has been done on this [Elevator] Tab back to 2006 and it has been inspected five other times with no one seeing or thinking; by their understanding of the Task Card; that a washer was missing/required.I think this could be avoided by clarifying the Task Cards so the illustrations and text match. If there was a way to simplify the process; that would be very helpful.
A Line Lead Mechanic was informed an Inspector had found a washer missing at the left-hand Elevator Tab # 1 Hinge assembly; between the inboard bushing and bearing on a B737-400 aircraft. Lead Mechanic notes the same tab had been inspected five other times with no one seeing or thinking a washer was missing or required; using the same Task Card and reference Drawings.