Classycanopies

The last couple of outings my pram has started to "sing" - the sort of noise you can make if you wet a finger and run it around the top of a wine glass.....

It's not particularly pleasant - and after about half a mile it just makes you want to shout "Aaaaarrrrrggggghhh!"........

First I tried some wd40 on the wheels.....still the pram was singing ...... then on the wheels AND on every moving part I could find.......

The pram was STILL singing......

So - I bought a pot of vaseline - and took the wheels off - greased them generously and replaced them.......

The pram was STILL singing.....

Tonight, I have taken off wheels, hub caps wiped away some excess grease - had a good look - re greased and replaced........

The only thing I can see - is that the inner metal piece on one of the front wheels (I think this part might be known as a "bush" as silver cross sell plastic ones - but this one looks metal - seems to have some movement on it. (it will turn within the wheel - at one end)

Does this mean I need a new "bush"?  If so - how do I get the old one out?  What if the new plastic "bushes" only fit newer wheels.....?

For now - I have WD40'd the moving bit  (bush) - in an effort to silence it - so if it IS going to move about at least it can do this quietly.

I hope this does  not now mean the wheels on my pram are past it - because I just got new tyres from Ruud last week - the new tyres are fab - but cost £80 - and I could have had new wheels with new tyres on from silver cross for £120 - but figured it was better just to have the tyres.......so the last thing I want to happen now is for the wheels to be "broke".

I will let you know after tomorrows outing (to the drs to get 3 of the 4 children immunised!) if the pram has shut up at last.  Keep your fingers crossed for me.

If any other prammies here have experienced this problem - and know the solution - please let me know!

rolleyesOh no - the pram is STILL making this awful noise.  I have heard back from Michael at heritage prams - he thinks it is that the bearings and bush are badly worn - and that the best solution is a new set of wheels........ This is literally about a week after I bought the new tyres - which cost £80!  So now I need new wheels....... I am gutted.

Does anyone have a clue if there is anywhere that can change the "bearings and bushes"  - after all - the bushes are only £10 a set from silver cross.  I didn't know the wheels HAD bearings....... what do they look like - and is there anywhere that can sort the problem for me?

I think I will ring our bike shop and see what they say.......

If I order the new wheels - I can't have the canopy and quilt set I had saved up for and was just about ready to order........:(

I just called my bike shop - they think a squealing wheel is more likely to be a bush problem than a bearing problem - although they can't say without seeing the pram first.

If it was just the "bush" they may be able to fit the new ones (which I can buy from heritage prams) but not if it needs a specialist tool....I am to try and contact a pram and buggy center in totton to see if they can help.....will look them up and keep you posted!

Here's hoping I don't actually need new wheels after all!!!

Well, having consulted another pram restoring expert and having shown him the pictures - it seems the wheels may all be missing "caps" from the inside edge - which would mean these wheels are finished if this is the case.

ARGGGHHHH!  I have bought new wheel bushes from heritage prams - they certainly fit the axles - that is great news - it means if I'm really desperate (and I'm getting that way!), then NEW wheels would fit!

IF I can get the old bushes out of the centre of the wheels and fit the new bushes however, that might solve the problem

A different pram restorer - who saw the pictures of the wheels - thought they may even be dolls pram wheels fitted to my pram - but I'm not so sure - there as been no alteration to the chassis - so I think (hope!) that knocks that theory on the head.

The wheels are the same age as the pram I believe - they are a bit unusual in that the bushes are visible - there is no metal "cap" at the rear (opposite side to hubcap) side of the wheels.

There don't appear to be bearings (I may be wrong - I'm wheely no expert).

I am so grateful to all those dedicated prammies out there who are trying to help us get our pram rolling quietly again.

If anyone has an old Carlton and would post pics of their wheels - from the side nearest the axle (opposite to hub cap side) - I would be most interested.  I know these things will vary - with age etc.

Anyone want to hazard a guess at the age of my pram?

I've asked the person I bought it off - but he does not know - he bought it off ebay himself.

Oh dear, I have an odd feeling I'll be buying new wheels - but at this point I'm trememdously grateful they'll fit in anycase!!!

Phew - a saint who goes by the name of Alison Murfet (of Alinsons prams) has come to my rescue - she is able to supply 4 new wheels - they will be arriving in the post soon.

She also emailed me some very very beautiful prams she has restored and customized.  I beleive she is near spalding in lincolnshire - so next time I am visiting my Grandparents in lincolnshire - I will do my utmost to call in and see her collection (I hear she has a great many prams to choose from).......sounds like she lives in pram heaven!

Aren't prammies lovely people!

we are, as i think of it, a chosen bunch of people,with a love of gorgeous prams