2022From a Facebook group: Steadicam operators group
Squeaking arm springs: causes in trunnion assembly versus springs themselves, and correct lubrication methods.
DisputedParticipants disagreed and reached no conclusion. Read the findings as positions, not as an answer.
What the thread found
- Approximately 90 % of arm squeaking originates from dirt in the trunnion area rather than the springs themselves; springs act mainly as a resonance body.
- Factory service disassembles the trunnion area and tension bolts, cleans them, and applies a light Teflon dry film coating; one operator performs this annually.
- New springs can cause squeaking while older springs do not, suggesting the issue may not be inherent to the springs.
- All attachment points should be inspected; one operator found a hairline crack in the mounting block that later broke during a shoot.
- Graphite powder or graphite lubricant is effective because it does not attract dirt, and gun oil is also suitable; WD-40 is not a lubricant and collects dust, and PTFE spray leaves a white film.
- Before attempting any lubrication, consult the manufacturer, as incorrect lubricants can cause damage.
Depends on
- Cause attribution remained disputed between springs and trunnion/bearing/attachment components.
- Effectiveness may depend on rig age, environmental dirt levels, and maintenance history.