SteadiHub
2014General Discussion forum

Clicking sound in Steadicam Scout gimbal during tilt drops

12 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.

What the thread found

  • A clicking or vibration sound that occurs when tilting the sled past vertical position may originate from the gimbal top cap working loose over time.
  • Tightening the gimbal top cap by hand, or very slightly with a spanner wrench, can eliminate the clicking sound.
  • Over-tightening the gimbal top cap with tools should be avoided as it can permanently lock the threads.
  • The clicking occurs as the inner bearing races slide up inside the gimbal and reach their upper limit during tilting motion.
  • A loose connection between the gimbal post foot and the pan bearing can also cause clicking sounds.
  • Adjusting the position of the gimbal post by loosening the allen screw, moving the post down slightly, and retightening can resolve the issue.
  • The clicking sound typically does not affect recorded video image quality.
  • Testing the rig by holding it and tilting without the balancing dock can help determine if the sound originates from loose sled components or gimbal issues.
  • Checking gimbal balance by testing it facing different directions can reveal if gimbal adjustment is needed.

Depends on

  • The clicking sound was not definitively confirmed to originate from any single component in all cases.
  • Solutions mentioned were shared as suggestions by other users rather than as verified fixes for all instances of the problem.
  • The relationship between clicking and gimbal tightness was not scientifically tested, only reported anecdotally.
  • One person reporting the issue could not locate the exact source despite thorough investigation.

Parts

Gimbal Bearing

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