I just replaced the trucks on my genesis SD70MAC because the side frames were broken off the old ones. But now it makes an unsettling clicking/grinding noise when I run it, and sometimes it squeaks at higher speeds. I double checked to make sure no wires were rubbing on the shaft, and I put more than enough grease on the worm gear (labelle 106). The trucks are brand new and even had a bit of lube in them already, what should I do? I took a video of it here:
I definitely think it’s coming from the trucks. I tested the motor both by itself and with the drive shaft. I guess the motor could use a cleaning, but it didn’t make the clicking sound I was hearing. as soon as I put the worm gear in and run the motor, the clicking/grinding sounds start again.
I opened both trucks and couldn’t see any burrs, but it did look a bit dry so I lubed it more, still didn’t get rid of the noise. But I noticed the trucks wobble strangely when I lift them off the rails:
No idea if it’s related to the noise or not
Sounds like your drive shafts are a bit long,That go from he motor to the trucks. I had this issue I looked at the drive shafts,They were a lil tight on my athearn 6 axles.Engines so I trimed the drive shafts and the grinding noise went awa.But I am not sure what drive shafts yours ueses, I have a copule SD40-2’s C44’s.Mine were the drive shafts that did not have the lil prongs and the ends.You made need some shorter drive shafts,Hope this helps good luck hope you can fix your isses with your engine.My trucks did wobble like yours after I trimed my drive shafts they did not wobble anymore.
Did the worm gear come with the trucks? Pop the top cover off and roll the truck without the worm gear. It sounds like there is a gear meshing issue going on. The worm may be too large for the worm gear. Or one of the idler gears could be bad. If the truck rolls easily without the worm then you know the trucks are ok.
Pete.