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To fully understand this question, it is best to understand just what the auger in your Traeger is, and what are its components.
The auger in a Traeger is the spinning rod that moves the wood pellets from the hopper to the firepot.
The main components of a Traeger auger are the spindle, motor, and gearbox.
The spindle is the part of the auger that rotates and is typically made of metal. The motor is responsible for turning the spindle and is usually located at the base of the auger.
The gearbox is responsible for translating the motor’s rotation into the spindle’s rotation and is typically located between the motor and spindle.
The spindle in a Traeger auger is made of steel, the motor of a Traeger auger is made of aluminum, and the gearbox of a Traeger auger is made of cast iron.
Therefore, all of these parts are susceptible to a process called oxidation, and the fact they are fastened together with screws makes them susceptible to displacement.
Why is my Traeger auger making creaking noises?
Oxidation is a chemical reaction that produces oxygen gas. When metals rust, they undergo an oxidation reaction.
The oxygen gas produced by this reaction can cause creaking or popping noises in your Traeger grill.
Oxidation is also why, over time, the metallic parts that make up the auger of your Traeger can become worn, rusty, or damaged, and make a creaking noise when it turns.
Also, if the auger on your Traeger is making a creaking noise, it may be because it has become loose over time.
The auger on a Traeger grill can become loose over time due to the constant heat and moisture exposure.
This can cause the auger to become stripped or damaged, making it difficult to properly secure the grill.
Is it normal for Traegers to make creaking noises?
The answer to this question is unfortunately indefinite, as it all depends on each scenario.
Some people may never experience their Traeger making any creaking noises, while others may find that their Traeger makes creaking noises regularly.
Those who live and keep their Traeger grill exposed to harsh elements may find that their grills become creakier than those who keep theirs under wraps and in pristine condition.
A lot of it has to do with taking proper care and precautions, the other is the mere circumstances.
What should I do if my Traeger is making a creaking noise?
If you don’t want to just outright replace the auger, you can try lubricating it with WD-40 or another similar lubricant.
This may help reduce the creaking noise.
Another option is to check and tighten the screws that hold the auger in place.
This can help to prevent the auger from moving around and grinding metal against metal, which ultimately makes a creaking noise.
Is my Traeger Auger jammed?
Traeger augers can become jammed for a variety of reasons. Some common causes include:
– a build-up of debris in the auger housing
– damaged or worn gears
– foreign objects lodged in the auger housing
If your auger becomes jammed, it is important to take care when troubleshooting and repairing the issue.
Attempting to force the auger or using improper tools can damage the unit beyond repair.
First, you will want to check and see if there is any blockage or debris caught in the auger.
This can easily be done by removing the grill grates and looking down into the firepot.
If there is something caught in the auger, you can try to remove it with a long pair of tongs or a poker.
If there is nothing blocking the auger, the next step is to check the gears.
The gears are located in the gearbox, which is typically found between the motor and spindle.
To check the gears, you will need to remove the cover from the gearbox. Inside, you will be able to see if any of the gear is stripped or damaged.
If the gears look to be in good condition, the next step is to check for foreign objects lodged in the auger housing.
The auger housing is the metal tube that encases the auger. To check the housing, you will need to remove the cover from the gearbox and then unscrew the auger housing from the motor.
Once the housing is removed, you can shake it to see if anything falls out. If there is something lodged in the housing, you can try to remove it with a long pair of tongs or a poker.
If you are still having trouble removing the object, you may need to replace the auger housing.
This is a relatively easy process, but you will need to make sure you have the correct replacement part.
Does the Traeger Auger run continuously?
The auger on a Traeger grill is designed to run continuously when the grill is turned on.
This helps to ensure that the fire is constantly supplied with fresh oxygen, which is necessary for proper combustion.
The auger will only stop running when the grill is turned off or if there is a blockage preventing it from turning.
If the auger does stop running, it is important to check for a blockage before turning the grill back on.
Final thoughts
As the weather gets warmer, many of us are looking forward to spending more time outdoors. For some, that means firing up the grill and enjoying a delicious meal with family and friends.
A Traeger grill is a great choice for anyone who loves to cook outdoors.
However, like any grill, it is important to take proper care of it. This includes regularly cleaning the grill and ensuring that it is properly maintained to deter any creaking noises that may occur in future grill sessions.
Robert is a certified Pitmaster, with over a decade of experience in smoking the best meats you’ll ever feast upon. He also has a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio. When he’s not researching technical topics, he’s most likely barbecuing in his backyard.