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If your Traeger auger is making noise, there are some potential causes. The most common reason for an auger to start making noise is because it needs to be replaced.
However, if your auger is relatively new, it may just need to be cleaned or lubricated. Let’s take a closer look at each of these potential causes.
One of the most common reasons an auger starts making noise is that it needs to be replaced. An auger typically has a lifespan of about five years before it needs to be replaced. If your auger is starting to make noise, it’s likely time for a replacement.
Is it Normal for A Trager Auger to Make Noise?
All mechanical devices will make some kind of noise during operation, but if it has a louder than normal sound, accompanied by smoke or burning smell, you may have a problem.
If you have a relatively new auger, it may just need to be cleaned or lubricated. Try these steps before replacing the auger.
Cleaning Your Traeger Auger
If your auger is just starting to make noise, it may just need to be cleaned.
Over time, dirt and debris can build up on the auger, causing it to become less efficient. To clean your auger, simply remove it from your grill and use a brush or cloth to remove any dirt or debris.
Lubricating Your Traeger Auger
Another potential cause of the noise is a lack of lubrication.
If your auger isn’t properly lubricated, the metal parts can start to grind against each other, causing the noise.
To lubricate your auger, simply apply a few drops of cooking oil or WD-40 to the metal parts.
Replacing Your Traeger Auger
If your auger is more than five years old or if it’s making a lot of noise, it’s probably time to replace it.
Replacing an auger is relatively simple and can be done in just a few minutes. Simply remove the old auger from your grill and replace it with a new one.
How Do I Fix My Traeger That’s Making a lot of Noise?
Seven causes may make the Traeger make more noise than normal and out of the ordinary. These are the seven things to look into:
- If the auger is twisted;
- If there is a loose screw;
- Issues with the fan;
- Gears malfunctioning;
- The normal noise, which there is nothing to worry about;
- Wood pellets may be too big;
- Wood pellets are wet.
Here is how you fix each of the seven issues that may cause out of the ordinary noises:
If the auger is twisted:
First, you need to check if the auger is actually twisted. You can do this by opening up the grill and manually checking it. If it is, you will need to replace it with a new one. It is not possible to fix a twisted auger.
If there is a loose screw:
There may be a screw somewhere that has come loose and is now rattling around inside the grill. This can cause quite a bit of noise. You will need to open up the grill and find the loose screw to fix it. Once you have found it, simply tighten it back into place.
Issues with the fan:
The fan is responsible for circulating air inside the grill. If it is not working correctly, it can cause the grill to become too hot. This can cause the auger to start making noise. To fix this, you will need to replace the fan.
Gears malfunctioning:
The gears are responsible for moving the auger. If they are not working properly, it can cause the auger to make noise. To fix this, you will need to replace the gears.
The normal noise:
Some people may think that their Traeger is making more noise than usual when it is operating normally. There is no need to worry about this unless the noise is accompanied by smoke or a burning smell.
Wood pellets may be too big:
If the wood pellets are too big, it can cause the auger to get jammed. This can cause the auger to make noise. You will need to replace the wood pellets with smaller ones to fix this.
Wood pellets are wet:
If the wood pellets are wet, it can cause them to expand and get jammed in the auger.
This can cause the auger to make noise. You will need to replace the wood pellets with dry ones to fix this.
How Do You Know if the Auger Motor is Bad?
There are several other signs that your auger motor may be going bad.
A loud grinding noise is the first thing you may experience.
If you notice that your grill is taking longer to heat up than usual, or if it isn’t reaching the desired temperature, this could be a problem with the auger motor.
Additionally, if you see smoke coming from the grill when it’s not used, this could be the auger motor.
Final Thoughts
If you suspect that your auger motor is going bad, the best action is to contact a qualified technician for diagnosis and repair.
Trying to fix the problem yourself could cost you more money in the long run, so it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
With proper care and maintenance, your auger motor should last for many years without any problems.
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.