Why are some trampolines noisy and how to prevent it?
Having a squeaky trampoline can be very annoying. While your kids may not be that aware of the annoying sounds, you will definitely want to avoid a headache each time the children go out to use the trampoline. The best way to ensure that you will not have to deal with the sounds is to take measures before putting your trampoline together.
While all noises may not be possible to eliminate entirely, it is possible to minimise the annoying loud ones. Let’s look at what causes these and see what can be done to reduce them to an acceptable level. Some designs and materials used means some trampolines can be more prone to noise than others. The following applies to the majority of trampoline models and brands that are currently in the market.
Unwanted trampoline noises are mainly a result of:
- Two or more dry components in direct contact with each other, combined with,
- Movement under load; between these surfaces.
Let’s look at contributing factors and possible remedies;
Dry Components on a trampoline include
1. Horizontal Frame Joints.
(the frame is about waist height, and where the springs attach to)
The frame pieces are made of steel tube so the joints are steel on steel. A new trampoline will have some residual manufacturing lubricant on the frame pieces, but it won't last long; so a new trampoline can start squeaking pretty early in its life. We suggest greasing all frame joints during assembly.
2. Vertical Frame Joints.
These are commonly referred to as the trampoline legs and support the horizontal frame pieces in item 1 above, These can be overlooked as a source of noise, but we suggest also greasing these joints during assembly.
3. Net Pole Structure
While a possibility, we haven’t seen these to be a cause of loud squeaky noises.
4. Spring Hooks.
Where the spring hook fits in to the frame slot can be a source of friction induced squeaks. Usually the first area to eliminate are items 1 and 2 above before looking at the springs. Spring hook ends are not normally recommended to have oil or grease based lubricant on them as this can attract dust, which then mixes in with the lubricant which acts as a grinding paste accelerating wear. If you find your springs are the cause of noise it is better to experiment with “dry” lubricants like silicone as these don’t typically attract and hold dust/dirt.
NOTE: The spring body (coiled section) and where the spring attaches to the mat are rarely a cause of any noise.
5. Weather.
Trampolines are usually in the full weather, which means over time they are exposed to the full elements of heat, moisture and dirt. Greasing joints when doing the initial assembly acts as a long term barrier to minimise the weather effects.
Movement of rubbing surfaces
Jumping on a trampoline means the energy is transferred from the users body through to the trampoline components eg the mat, springs, and main framework; which is supported by the ground and then back through to the user, giving the enjoyable rebound feeling. This is what the components are designed for, however during the jumping there is naturally small movement between components and within each other, that can become the source of noise.
1. During the jumping process the trampoline is under a range of load with multi-directional force. Components are forced to move against each as the energy is transferred. The frame joints move a small amount but under considerable contact forces, if these areas are dry then the resulting momentary friction can cause squeaks. Likewise, the spring hook moves slightly in the frame slot during its extension / retraction cycle. By understanding this principle, it will make it easier for you to find where the noise is likely to be coming from.
2. Excessive movement of the frame when it is not evenly supported, e.g. If the trampoline is not on even ground, the initial part of a jumping force tries to level the frame (a good way to imagine this is if one leg is over a pothole). If the frame is not evenly supported on the ground it causes several in-efficiencies, some of the users energy goes into levelling the frame instead of giving the fullest bounce. The other effect is that the frame will momentarily distort at every jump and put extra strain on the frame joints, amplifying the friction in the joints increasing the chance of annoying squeaks.
A good way to check for even frame loading is to watch every leg / ground contact area when the trampoline is being jumped on; the frame should have minimal movement.
3. Placing a trampoline on a hard fixed surface like concrete or pavers means there is no give for the frame/legs to bed in. A hard surface will accentuate any underlying frame noises. If you have no option but concrete or pavers to place your trampoline try a strip of rubber or carpet under the leg contact area’s to prevent any unwanted loud and abrasive noises.
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4. Some area’s where a trampoline is located just highlight or amplify noise, so consider where the trampoline is positioned. Shrubbery, trees etc. will muffle some sounds but a paved courtyard may amplify them. Placing a trampoline near a kitchen window may give convenient visibility but the trade off is noise can be more noticable
Tracking down specific noises.
The source of noises can sometimes be misleading, a trampoline frame can resonate sound from one part of the frame to another making it sometimes difficult to pin point. Sometimes it is trial and error, spray a suspect area with a spray lubricant like WD40 and check to see if this makes any difference, when you get a noise reduction you can then work on a more permanent solution. Remember to wipe off any excess spray as it will attract dust/dirt.
What lubricant should I use?
Spray lubricants like WD40 are not recommended as a permanent solution as they don’t last long. For frame joints a solid lubricant is recommended as they last longer, the majority of solid greases are fine to use, there are many types available e.g. general purpose, extreme pressure, moly based, lithium based, marine, axle grease or a specialist lubricant like anti-seize etc. all are suitable. You do not need much grease, usually 100grams is ample. If you don’t already have any handy, you could ask a neighbour or purchase some from your local hardware store or petrol station.
Here are some step by step instructions to stop your trampoline from squeaking.
Grease the trampoline joints
- The squeaking sound happens when dry metal rubs against another piece of dry metal - this means that you need to be careful with the joints, which are the main culprit for such noises.
- Before building the trampoline, get some grease and lightly apply on the joints.
Safety first
- Protect your hands with heavy-duty gloves when you are greasing the trampoline joints.
- Metal burr can hurt your hands if you are not careful.
Testing
- After greasing and putting your trampoline together it is time to test it out.
- Get the kids to jump up and down on it.
- If all is well and relatively quiet, no more needs to be done.
Trampoline squeak prevention
- To avoid any squeaking from occurring in the future, the best advice is to keep the trampoline in a fully upright position.
- This way, there will be little pressure on the joints, and the grease will keep them in good working order for a long time.
- A well-greased trampoline is also easy to disassemble when you need to move house.
- If after some use there is some noise – lift the pads around the trampoline and spray the frame joint and springs with some WD40 or similar product. Wipe off any excess lubricant to prevent dust from sticking to the trampoline frame.
What if my trampoline is already assembled and squeaks - Help!!
Noisy trampolines can be irritating, some can easily be fixed, others can be difficult to track the prime source.
Any noise generated from the frame or springs can be resonated throughout the whole frame so it can be misleading as to where its coming from.
Noise is usually caused by:
- dry steel on steel contact
- tolerance of the join (the clearance between the steel surfaces)
- movement of the join (transferred energy from when the trampoline is jumped on)
Areas to recheck or eliminate.
- First, try just lubricating the joints by squirting in some WD40 or another spray-on lubricant.
- Have the kids bounce the trampoline and then while they are bouncing go around and spray some more WD40 on the trampoline frame joints.
- Are all contact points of the leg bottom taking load evenly? (there are 2 contact points per leg)
- Does the noise increase in any particular jumping spot of the trampoline? This may help pin point the areas to initially look at.
- Initially try and track down source of noise with WD40, then use a more permanent lubricant, frame is the first place to check, then the spring holes.
- Remove one leg at a time and grease all joins, refit. this avoids pulling whole trampoline apart
- Is trampoline reasonably level? Simply levelling the trampoline can often stop the noise.
What if the trampoline is still noisy
If after these checks the the kids have jumped on only to find the trampoline just as noisy then I'm sorry to say it is time to disassemble trampoline, check frame joins including the square tube outer joiners for burrs and wear patterns:
- if required file off any high contact points
- grease all joins
- Check Spring hole slots:
- if there is a lot of spring hole wear the spring hook may now have no clearance in the slot (the hook rubs tightly on each side of the hole
- if there is wear, some of the slots could now have raised burrs, can file these down.
I am only aware of two people who have actually had to disassemble the trampoline, all others have been ok with the spray/grease insitu option.
Hopefully, this article will help you achieve some squeak-free jumping!
If you do have to pull it apart to stop the noise on your trampoline please let us know - either by leaving a comment below, phoning us on 03 52921100 or sending us an email
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Photo - Flickr - Marco Monetti
