Noisy FVM ES44

[phil55]

I have a Fox Valley Models ES 44 that has developed a squealing noise coming from the drive train .It runs but is very noise. Anybody have any suggestions on what the problem might be?

[jagged ben]

Usually a small bit of lube on the bearing blocks of the worm fixes that problem.

[peteski]

Usually, squeals are caused by a lack of lubrication of the fastest spinning parts of the mechanism:  Motor shaft and/or worm shafts.  That is what I would check first.  Is it squealing at all speeds or only certain speed?

[phil55]

Squeals at all speeds but more noticeable at slow speed. Also seems to bind at times.

[Snark45]

Hi Folks

After trying the lube and other methods, I've been able to cure this problem in several locomotives (Atlas, Intermountain, Bachmann) by removing the plastic body and ever-so-slightly loosening the bolts holding the metal mainframe halves together. This is a "do it; try it, maybe do it again" kind of process.

Have fun

Harry

[phil55]

Thanks for all the tips! Tried them all,quieted down some but still doesn't sound right.Gave up and sent it back to Fox Valley.Said they would be happy to take a look at it.