ᐅ Why do hinges sometimes start squeaking only after several months?
Created on: 12 Dec 2022 08:37
G
Glaba
Hello everyone,
I have noticed that some of my door hinges only started squeaking after several months. At first, they were completely silent, even though the doors were used daily. My question to the community is: Why do hinges sometimes start squeaking only after months of use, even though they worked smoothly at the beginning? I would like to understand which physical, mechanical, or material-related processes might be responsible. Is it due to wear, dryness, or perhaps the gradual distribution of lubricants over time? Thanks for your explanations!
I have noticed that some of my door hinges only started squeaking after several months. At first, they were completely silent, even though the doors were used daily. My question to the community is: Why do hinges sometimes start squeaking only after months of use, even though they worked smoothly at the beginning? I would like to understand which physical, mechanical, or material-related processes might be responsible. Is it due to wear, dryness, or perhaps the gradual distribution of lubricants over time? Thanks for your explanations!
A very interesting topic, I would like to explain it in more detail:
The squeaking of hinges after several months can be explained physically by changes in the friction conditions at the contact surfaces. During installation, lubricants such as grease or oil are often applied. These form a hydrodynamic lubrication film that significantly reduces friction.
Over time, however, a so-called "tribochemical aging process" occurs: oxygen from the air and often slight temperature fluctuations lead to the oxidation and polymerization of the lubricant film. This causes the grease to become thicker or partially disappear.
At the same time, dust particles and wear debris accumulate. These act like abrasives. This results in micro-scratches and an increase in the real contact area between the metal surfaces, which increases friction.
In addition, slight changes in component tolerances can occur due to temperature changes or material stress. This leads to small movement inaccuracies that amplify the noise.
Conclusion: Only after a certain period of use does the lubrication condition deteriorate enough for friction noises to become audible. It is not a sudden failure but a gradual process.
The squeaking of hinges after several months can be explained physically by changes in the friction conditions at the contact surfaces. During installation, lubricants such as grease or oil are often applied. These form a hydrodynamic lubrication film that significantly reduces friction.
Over time, however, a so-called "tribochemical aging process" occurs: oxygen from the air and often slight temperature fluctuations lead to the oxidation and polymerization of the lubricant film. This causes the grease to become thicker or partially disappear.
At the same time, dust particles and wear debris accumulate. These act like abrasives. This results in micro-scratches and an increase in the real contact area between the metal surfaces, which increases friction.
In addition, slight changes in component tolerances can occur due to temperature changes or material stress. This leads to small movement inaccuracies that amplify the noise.
Conclusion: Only after a certain period of use does the lubrication condition deteriorate enough for friction noises to become audible. It is not a sudden failure but a gradual process.
Palenar schrieb:
…tribochemical aging process…Wow, thanks Palenar for this detailed explanation! I didn’t realize that such complex chemical processes occur even in seemingly simple everyday items.
So it’s basically normal that a hinge eventually “screams” to signal the breakdown of the lubricant film, full of dust and oxidation, through sound. 🙂
floga schrieb:
…hinge eventually "squeaks"...Haha, exactly! I sometimes imagine the hinges like little singers finally starting up after a long pause.
It would be great if you could somehow “train” a hinge to stay quiet from the beginning! Or keep it properly lubricated. Does anyone have experience with this? I’ve read that WD-40 is often used, but is it really suitable for long-term protection?
P
PeoDaniel12 Dec 2022 13:52GLALEO schrieb:
…WD-40 is often used, but is it really suitable for long-term protection?WD-40 is a good product for temporarily loosening rust and can serve as a short-term lubricant. However, it often contains solvents that can displace grease and oil. This means that with prolonged use, WD-40 can remove the lubrication layer and may even cause squeaking over time.
For long-lasting protection, specialized lubricants based on synthetic oils and greases are more suitable. Examples include silicone grease, lithium grease, or PTFE-based sprays. These maintain the lubrication film and thus prevent friction over the long term.
Now that you have explained the aging lubrication film and related concepts, I have to admit that I often oil based on feel ;-) Sometimes the squeaking is only temporary.
I just use a few drops of oil and move the door; often that’s enough to keep it quiet for a few weeks.
Your posts make me curious whether environmental factors, such as humidity inside the house, might also affect the time until squeaking occurs? 🙂
I just use a few drops of oil and move the door; often that’s enough to keep it quiet for a few weeks.
Your posts make me curious whether environmental factors, such as humidity inside the house, might also affect the time until squeaking occurs? 🙂
TARAON schrieb:
…whether environmental factors, such as indoor humidity, could also affect the time until squeaking occurs?That is absolutely correct. Humidity and temperature have a significant impact on the behavior of lubricants and metal components.
High humidity can lead to corrosion if the lubricant film is thin or incomplete. Moisture thus promotes oxidation processes that degrade the lubricant film more quickly.
Similarly, temperature fluctuations can cause expansion and contraction of metal parts, which alters friction conditions and may trigger squeaking.
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