Squeaky Set-Ups

Our TM is about 5-6 years old and our folding out/in of the shells has been quiet until recently. Last Summer was unusually rainy in our part of the country, and that may have been the cause (or not) of grinding squeaks that now result when opening/closing the front and the rear shells.

I don't think the torsion bars would squeak. I know that the shells rotate out and back, but I can't see with all the frame covering where the squeaking is most likely being caused - or how to go about lubricating it.

Any suggestions? Thanks.

[scrubjaysnest]

Good question, ours started last year also. For us it seems to be as the shells reach the most up right position.

If I recall from a recent sanding and painting effort, the torsion bars go through a rubber bushing where they are connected to the bottom outside edge of the frame. As the rubber bushing dries out the movement of the torsion bar might squeak. Try a shot of WD40 or light oil in the bushing.

Originally Posted by rumbleweed

If I recall from a recent sanding and painting effort, the torsion bars go through a rubber bushing where they are connected to the bottom outside edge of the frame. As the rubber bushing dries out the movement of the torsion bar might squeak. Try a shot of WD40 or light oil in the bushing.

Thanks. I think Bill has posted a couple of times about using a Dupont teflon or silicone lubricant on the torsion bars. I wonder if he was talking about that rubber bushing that you posted? I never understood how lubricating the torsion bars themselves would be of any assistance since they twist rather than move around.

The torsion bar makes a 90 degree turn just before it goes into the bushing and support bracket. Yes the long portion of the bar under the TM twists and doesn't need lubricant, but the other end of the 90 degree bend turns from horizontal ( in the closed position) to vertical ( in the open position). It is that quarter turn that causes the squeak. Silicon spray is probably best, but not everyone has a can in their shop unlike WD40.
One other thing to remember, the twisting of the torsion bars under the TM is very tough on their protective paint. It is a good idea to periodically (every other year or so) to check/ sand /repaint the torsion bars.

[scrubjaysnest]

Set ours up yesterday, getting ready for a two week camping trip to the Everglades. Ours doesn't have the bushings but I'll give the silicon a try. Also our squeaks seem to be at the stop pockets.