Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Digital Pianos - Electronic Pianos - Synths & Keyboards YAMAHA FC3 SUSTAIN PEDAL SQUEAKS

Hello all that care about a quiet Yamaha FC3 pedal. I've taken the thing apart numerous times trying to figure out what's making the damn thing squeak. I've used WD40, white grease but eventually that annoying squeak comes back. I really think it has something to do with side to side motion of the chrome foot lever which has plastic tabs riding up and down pressing against a plastic housing. If that has too much sideways play to it a squeak occurs. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks, MooganDavid

A peculiar design choice . . .

Two suggestions:

a) try some silicone lubricant on the plastic-to-plastic sliding joint. WD40 is OK for metal-to-metal contact, but I don't know how well it works on plastic.

b) Think about whether the squeak could be caused by pieces of the housing that aren't supposed to move, when the pedal goes up and down. If the assembly is even slightly loose, squeaks are possible.

a Google search yields (first hit):

http://forum.pianoworld.com/ubbthreads.php/topics/693199/Yamaha%20FC3%20Pedal%20Squeak.html

which might be worth reading.

WD-40 won't harm most plastics ... but it's not meant for use as a lubricant.
Instead ... try white lithium grease. It's cheap, easy to find, works well, and lasts long.

The squeak on mine was caused by the pedal sliding against the side of the slot in the plastic housing, from too much side to side movement. Silicone spray took care of it.

Same thing in a Yamaha FC8. A knife took care of it. Or maybe I used side cutters.

An easier lubrication solution is simply graphite. If you can get in there, just rub a simple pencil into the joint or area. Grease or other goo will attract dirt and fuzz and you may have other problems a few years down the line. If graphite doesn't work, you did no harm.... then try spray teflon lubricant which is a "dry" lube.... also called "Dry PTFE" lube. I would try the dry solutions first, then move to the dirt magnets last.

Peace
Bruce in Philly

What about something like this? Kind of a stretch but just curious. I can't find anything locally and don't want to wait a week because the squeak is driving me crazy! lol
Just an idea everyone, will not run out and by this stuff, ty!

https://www.autozone.com/greases-and-gear-oil/lubricant-grease/p/b-laster-advanced-dry-lube-9-3oz/1218729_0_0?cmpid=LIA:US:EN:AD:NL:1000000:GEN:19502231967&&CATARGETID=120054150001287365&CADevice=c&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAkeSsBhDUARIsAK3tieeSGsS_6AvWYt9jtsRXRD-gYf6qx2qt9YsxZWWn0guApPXcGPaKyywaAml2EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

FWIW --

Read the "comments" on the PB-Blaster Dry Lube !

One says:


There are some other reviews that describe unwanted side-effects.

I'd stick to white lithium grease, or silicone lubricant, or something called "Teflon grease" (which has tiny particles of Teflon in it).

Some "dry lubricants" are -- essentially -- tiny particles of Teflon, with a gas propellant. They often work, but spray get all over the area you want to lubricate.

PS -- the PB Blaster Penetrating Oil that I've used, has been really good. But it's the wrong product, for what you want to do.

I'll also vote for white lithium grease (though I don't have any).

Great, thank you for input, appreciated
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HBNV58?psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&ref_=chk_typ_imgToDp

I hope to have resolved soon

Rather than using Amazon, try your local auto-parts store. Permatex is a widely-distributed brand.

Just a quick update, curiosity got the best of me as the squeak has really gotten under my skin. I removed the bottom panel of my upright piano (only 2 years old) to try and locate the source of the damper squeak. I sat and played a bit to duplicate the squeak, and there is none. I was surprised, pleasantly. I dusted the panel and wondering, if I simply put it back on will the squeak stay gone? Interesting thanks again