Sewing machine is squeaking...

[Ninjasquirrel]

I have an old 1980ish Kenmore. Its always had a deep whirl while it has run. But today it started making a new sound. I was quilting like normal. I hadnt changed any settings or fabric. It began to squeak like a mouse and the top thread snapped. I went around and oiled the machine at every joint...its still squeaking. Has anyone else encountered this? What do you think it could be? Im worried its a broken spring somewhere but i cant find it.

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

Heres some pics of the inside to help:

 

[IamRainey]

Have you checked to see that the tension isn't so tight it's preventing the thread from sliding through the mechanism? There are 2 tension regulators. There's the conventional easily adjusted knob (with corresponding mechanics) for your spooled thread and there's a second one for the bobbin thread. The bobbin one varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.

That's the first thing I'd check for thread snapping but I'm not sure tension that's too tight would cause noise. That's probably parts rubbing. My guess is you need it serviced.

 

[dalasgalas]

Mine makes that sound when it is cold in the house.

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

Have you checked to see that the tension isn't so tight it's preventing the thread from sliding through the mechanism? There are 2 tension regulators. There's the conventional easily adjusted knob (with corresponding mechanics) for your spooled thread and there's a second one for the bobbin thread. The bobbin one varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.

That's the first thing I'd check for thread snapping but I'm not sure tension that's too tight would cause noise. That's probably parts rubbing. My guess is you need it serviced.

The tension is on the lowest setting. My bobbin tensioner you need to adjust with a screw driver. Ive checked and adjusted both. Ive fixed the snapping of the thread but the squeak is still there.

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

Mine makes that sound when it is cold in the house.

Ive never heard this noise before thats why im concerned

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

Im gonna have my man look at it when he gets home. Ive tried everything. It seems the squeaking is in direct correlation with the needle going up and down. Ive cleaned and oiled everything. Even found out i had a free loader:

Thats a stink bug. He was definately alive and happy in there. Im blaming him if my machine is squeaky forever

 

[dalasgalas]

Those stink bugs are stubborn!

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

Update! Its not squeaking now! After about an hour pouting I realized I would have to inspect the underside of my machine. No easy task since its mounted in a sewing cabinet. It was easy getting it out but getting it back in was a nightmare. I oiled everything the manual said under the machine. Low and behold...no squeaking. Its odd because it sounded like it was coming from the light casement. I cant wait to tell my guy when he gets home that I actually fixed something!

 

[LoraMoser]

I have a Janome JW8100 and bought a walking foot for it several years ago. It has always squeaked. I'm not sure why and didn't want to attempt to oil it as I worry about ruining my fabric. I'd be interested to hear what you find out from your dealer. I plan to take my walking foot in and ask the local dealer about it when I take the machine in for it's regular cleaning. Also, my walking foot doesn't sit straight on the throat plate therefore making the 1/2", 1/4" and 1/8" marks incorrect and different on each side of the foot. I've just been eyeballing the sewing lines. I do like the walking foot. It does a much better job of feeding the fabric than the regular foot. I don't have dual feed on my Bernina. It's too old!