It is my understanding that the ground wires connecting from the rudder, elevator and sometimes ailerons to the airframe are for lightening protection. The idea is to conduct the strike on the control surface to the airframe by way of the ground wire and not through the hinge. The hinge could get wielded in place by the current surge.
Therefore, you don't need to replace the ground wire unless you are flying near a thunderstorm. If you are flying near a thunderstorm, you might want to check the wiring in your head. Also, those little black tubes that have the fluffy stuff on the end that are sometimes on the trailing end of control surfaces are there to try and neutralize any charge buildup and prevent a strike. Chris, 99674 in restoration Santa Cruz, CA
