1. I have a vibration when I turn my juicer on
A: Improper Cutter Set Screw Adjustment:
The cutter set screws play a crucial role in maintaining smooth operation and minimizing vibrations. These screws adjust the side load of the cutter onto the shaft. Proper adjustment ensures the cutter slides smoothly with the right tension while remaining centered along the axis established by the original sharpening. Loose or improperly adjusted set screws can cause a vibration or movement of the cutter on the shaft.
See our cutter set screw video here:
B: Uneven Placement:
Norwalk juicers are powerful machines, and even slight unevenness on the counter can cause them to vibrate. Make sure the juicer is sitting flat and stable on a solid surface.
2. My juicer makes excessive or unusual noises
Norwalk juicers can make a variety of different noises, of which most of them do not affect the machine's operation, but some do. Let's break these noises down to potential causes and solutions.
A: My juicer makes a clicking sound during the press cycle
A clicking noise during operation, especially when the press goes up, can sometimes be heard on Norwalk juicers. This sound is often caused by the piston return spring. As the piston extends to press down on the ingredients, the spring compresses. When the pressure is released and the piston retracts, the spring decompresses. During this process, the coils of the spring can sometimes "nest" within each other, causing a clicking sound.
Here's why this clicking is usually normal:
Spring Design: The design of the piston return spring allows for some movement within the coils. This nesting is a normal function of the spring and doesn't affect the juicer's performance.
Noise Level: The clicking should be a subtle sound. If the clicking is loud or accompanied by grinding or scraping noises, it might indicate a different issue.
When to be Concerned: While the clicking sound is usually harmless, here are some situations where it might warrant further attention:
Loud Clicking: If the clicking is unusually loud or becomes progressively louder over time, it could indicate a problem with the spring itself.
Accompanying Sounds: If the clicking is accompanied by grinding, scraping, or other unusual noises, this could signify a different issue with the pressing mechanism.
3. When the press comes to the top of its travel, my juicer makes a creaking noise
Bent Juice Tray
A creaking noise when the press reaches the top of its travel on your Norwalk juicer can indicate a bent juice tray. With a bent juice tray, the juice tray upper lip can come in contact with the upper machine plate or the screw heads that hold the upper press plate in place. This bending often occurs because the tray slipped out of position during the juicing process. Here's what you need to know:
Cause of the bent tray:
Juice Tray Misalignment: The primary cause of the bent juice tray in this scenario is the tray slipping out of its designated position while under pressure from the press. This misalignment can happen due to:
Improper Placement: If the juice tray isn't securely seated in its designated slot before juicing, it could slip out of position during operation.
Heavy Load: When juicing large quantities or very dense ingredients, the increased pressure might cause the tray to dislodge if not properly secured.
Identifying a Bent Juice Tray:
Visual Inspection:
1)Carefully examine the juice tray for any visible bends or warping. You can place the tray on a flat surface to see if it sits evenly.
2) The upper edge is splayed out due to being crushed between the upper and lower press plate.
3)Noise Pattern: The creaking noise will likely only occur at the very top of the press travel, when the bent tray comes into contact with other components.
Solutions:
1)Replace the Juice Tray: If the juice tray is significantly bent, it's best to replace it with a new one. Consult your Norwalk juicer manual or contact Norwalk customer service for information on obtaining a replacement.
2) Preventative Measures: To prevent future bending, ensure the juice tray is properly seated and secure before juicing. Avoid overloading the juicer.
4. Upper Press Plate Shims and Minor Noise
Cause:
Short upper press plate shims are a common occurrence in Norwalk juicers and typically don't impact juicing performance. By design, these thin shims compensate for slight variations in the dimensions of the upper press plate during manufacturing, ensuring proper alignment and fit. Over time, the shims may compress slightly, creating a small gap that can cause a harmless noise. While the shims can be replaced to eliminate the gap, it's rarely necessary due to the minimal effect on juicer function.
Addressing the Noise:
If the noise from the upper press plate shims is particularly bothersome, you can contact one of our qualified service technicians for further guidance. They can advise on shim replacement or other solutions to ensure quiet operation of your Norwalk juicer.
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5. Noise Coming From Loose or Popped Corner Post in Your Norwalk Juicer
A loose corner post on your Norwalk juicer is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. It can compromise safety and hinder proper juicer operation. Here's what you need to know:
A: Potential Causes:
Improper Pressure Regulation: Excessive pressure on the press can cause the corner post to loosen or pop out completely. If the post comes loose, it's crucial to adjust the press regulator before replacing the post.
Corrosion: The threaded area of the corner post can corrode due to dissimilar metal corrosion with acidic juices. This weakens the connection and can lead to the post becoming loose or completely popping out.
B: Damage Assessment:
Before attempting repairs, it's essential to assess the damage:
Upper Plate Threads: Check if the threads within the upper plate where the corner post screws in are stripped.
Corner Post Damage: Inspect the corner post itself for any breaks or stripped threads.
C: Repair Options:
Corner Post Replacement: In most cases, replacing the corner post is necessary. However, this depends on the condition of the upper plate threads.
Helicoil Insertion (if applicable): If the upper plate threads are stripped but not severely damaged, a qualified technician might be able to install a helicoil thread insert to restore the threads and allow for a new corner post. If you feel this is something you would like to attempt, contect one of our service techs and they will help you through it.
D: Additional Considerations:
Upper Sheet Metal Removal: Installing a helicoil typically requires removing or pulling back the upper sheet metal for proper access. This is somewhat of a tricky task to perform without damaging the sheet metal skin. It can be done, but be careful.
Safety First:
Do not attempt to operate your juicer with a loose corner post. This can be dangerous and could further damage the machine.
