Solution To Reduce Noise and Squealing from Pro Series Friction Sway Control # 83660

Question:

2008 Nissan Frontier with trailer brakes towing a Fleetwood Utah popup, wt. 3,000 + or - After traveling 4,000 miles one trip today,in heavy rain, the bar started squeeling each time the bar moved in or out. Should a lubricant be used and if so WD 40 ? If not, what is the problem and the solution? The only identification I see on the unit is Pro Series Friction Sway control. Made in China

asked by: Tom H

Expert Reply:

The squealing is what you may hear at times, as a friction sway control system has a pad in-between the metal, like a brake pad. Since there is no lubrication between the surfaces there will be noise. If there is no pad, or metal on metal contact, the Sway Control has reached its useful life limit and would need to be replaced.

You do not want to use WD-40 or any other oil to lubricate the friction sway control. What you can do, is take a wire brush to clean up the pad of the friction sway control. Then, you can use bearing or axle grease like the Lubrimatic Industrial Strength Grease, part # L11389 to grease the ball of the friction sway control.

This should dramatically reduce the noise and squealing of the friction sway control unit.

expert reply by: Reno H