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Showing results for tags 'squeaky'.
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Ok there are a bunch of posts on this topic but I didn't find any with pictures, or any that were specifically for a helix LT model, so following the instructions from those posts without being able to see what I was getting into was a bit scary. If you're a smooth-brained half-wit like me and you need pictures (and you have an LT model). Here you go. Here's the summary of what you're going to do. Take the back off. Loosen the expression pedal bolt. Apply some lube to the spacers that the pedal pivots with. Put the back back on and re-tighten the pedal bolt. 1. Take the back off. To do this, you need to remove almost (see exception below) every single screw you see on the back and sides. You'll need a small phillips screwdriver and a small hex/allen wrench (sorry I don't know what size the one I used is). EXCEPTIONS DO NOT REMOVE the 10 screws around the XLR left / right outputs, Variax / Digital Out ports, and power cord port. You don't need to remove the two screws directly underneath the pedal. I zoomed in on them in one of the attached pics. It's ok if you do remove them, but know that they hold a plastic support piece in place for the pedal to rest on inside. When you remove those screws that plastic piece will come loose and you'll hear it rattle around the inside and then think you've ruined your wonderful line 6 helix. You haven't. It will just scare the crap out of you and then you'll figure out later (like I did) that it reattaches really easily. 2. Loosen (don't remove) the tension bolt that the expression pedal rocks on. You'll need a 10mm hex/allen wrench for this. I made about 3 complete turns to loosen it to the point where the pedal rocks forwards and backwards pretty loosely. Three may be too many turns for yours - keep an eye on the nut at the end of the bolt and don't let the bolt come out of the nut. You're basically loosening it just enough so some lube can work it's way in between the white spacers/bushings and the metal where the pedal attaches. Ok so at this point, you've got the back off. The tension bolt is loose and you can see the two white spacers/bushings at each end of the expression pedal tension bolt. 3. Apply a very small amount of lube to the top of the spacers right up against where they touch the metal bracket/braces. By "a very small amount" I mean try to use as little as possible. If you use something that drips, clean up the drips. But try not to apply any amount close to an amount that would drip or spread to another area of the board. Apply some lube and rock the pedal back and forth. Do this until you feel like the lube has probably worked its way in some. Re-tighten the tension bolt. Rock the pedal. Still hear the squeak? Loosen it again and apply more lube. Follow this process until you are squeak free. Worked for me on the first go. What kind of lube should you use? I have no idea. Would be nice if someone from Line 6 could answer that in the comments. Other posts on this topic reference many lube suggestions including chapstick (of any flavor), white lithium grease, bike chain oil, silicon lube, this teflon dry lube, and others. I used a really thin bike chain lube called "Dumonde Tech Original". Don't use WD40 - it can be corrosive. Don't spray anything. Whatever you use, apply it to a small q-tip or a thin piece of plastic as an applicator. 4. Put it all back together. If you did end up removing those two screws under the pedal that I referenced above, reattach that plastic piece to the back first. Then put the back back on and screw all the screws back in. Be careful not to tighten too much and strip the screw holes. Just snug, hand tight. That's it. You did it. You're officially a hero now. No one will care that you fixed your squeak, let alone on your own, but don't let that stop you. Rock on with your invisible hero cape. You earned it.
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Got my Helix today from Reverb.com (bought it used). Love it, but realized that I have a really squeaky and stiff pedal. With my purchase, I do not have the original receipt. Frank R. via email said if there is any warranty left they would transfer it to me - still waiting to hear back on that if there is any left. I am wondering what is the easiest way to solve the squeak without really tearing the unit apart. I live quite far from any authorized service centers. I am wondering too, if my unit has the black washers, is it even worth just trying to fix myself or should they be replaced? If anyone has an earlier unit with the black washers and was able to remedy the issue without taking it apart I would love to get some step by step instructions. I read some past posts but it didn't seem clear how to approach the pedal with lubricant (white lithium grease, triflow, etc) while its still attached, although loosened.