Noises

[Ste6t9]

Hello all,
As I’m sure you are all aware we have just got back from a nice European trip. It wasn’t without its hiccups however I have a question regarding noises.
When driving with the windows open and especially when manoeuvering around corners and roundabouts, there was terrible squeaking and creaking noises, is this something we just have to deal with or is something amiss? I’m almost certain the nose Weights were ok so is it the stabiliser perhaps??

In addition to this, under any breaking at all we had a lot of squeaky brakes from the caravan, it will be going for a service in November so I’m sure any problems can be sorted then however.

 

[Raywood]

A squeak from the stabiliser is quite common and is usually a bit of dirt on the pads. The caravan brakes could also have a bit of dirt in them but if you are worried do get it checked.

 

[Hutch]

Steve, its most likely the alko stabilizer pads need cleaning, or deglazing with sandpaper. And at worst replacing. They just get noisier.

 

[Damian]

As has been said, the squeaking or groaning from the hitch at slow speed and turning is a common thing and suggests that the hitch pads are contaminated or the towball was not cleaned before hitching up, even then it still happens.
As for the brakes, that is most likely dust in the drums and also the compound used in the brake shoes.
If just dust that is cleaned out during a service, if it is the shoes, that is an expensive replace job, and even that may not stop the noise.
So much for modernisation !!!!

 

[Raywood]

As has been said, the squeaking or groaning from the hitch at slow speed and turning is a common thing and suggests that the hitch pads are contaminated or the towball was not cleaned before hitching up, even then it still happens.
As for the brakes, that is most likely dust in the drums and also the compound used in the brake shoes.
If just dust that is cleaned out during a service, if it is the shoes, that is an expensive replace job, and even that may not stop the noise.
So much for modernisation !!!!

Not sure that modernisation has anything to do with brakes. they still look the same as they were on our old Piper over thirty years ago!

 

[Damian]

Quote " Not sure that modernisation has anything to do with brakes."

Yes it does, they removed asbestos from the lining material and since then the compounds have got harder and the dust problem has been an issue ever since.
They may look the same, but they are not.

 

[otherclive]

Given it’s a new van I suspect that the hitch stabiliser and/or towball are the source. Before every trip I clean both with brake cleaner and give the pads and ball a good wipe with a cloth.