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Sharing my experience/thoughts in case it helps someone else where mirage drive 180 squeaked sometimes a little and sometimes a lot. After reading posts by others seemed best try to lubricate (also rinse with freshwater) so I tried wd40 (never use that stuff again) and it helped but squeak returned. So I repeated the process several times figuring maybe try a different type of lube (Breakfree) or try working it in better. Then the drive seized up and would not work. Turns out it needed a new spine assembly which is costly (and what I got) or take the spine apart to grease/fix bearings which is very time consuming. Some bearings had worn and gotten twisted so one joint where mast connects to spine was outa alignment.
Moral is is your drive squeaks then sure try lubing but try to use Hobie lube and if squeak returns then start assuming the worst where no lube applied from outside is going to work and you have problems on the spine inside. Also look to see if drive is outa alignment which for sure indicates a spine issue.
My drive was 3 months past warranty but Hobie offered to cover the cost under warranty (best customer service I have ever had), however, the dealer is lagging their feet in submitting claim so unsure what the outcome will be (how hard can it be to submit really).
Although I love my hobie (my 2nd one) and would not get anything else, I am bit concerned about the durability of the new bearing system especially since spine is almost 1/2 the cost of a new drive. The 180 works much nicer than my previous model but previous never had any major breakdown. Also the day I was in dealer getting my new spine, another lady was bringing her 2 year old drive in with same spine issue. That seemed like more than coincidence. In talking they did not use their drive in a harsh way, nor do I. One thing that did occur to me is maybe silt plays havoc with the new drives...anyone else think so? I never beach my drive and usually use in clear river water (mostly fresh water). However the last 2 years since I got my drive have been the rainiest years ever and my normally clear rivers are now muddy most of the time. Could that be a factor, or is it just bad luck or are these new spines great performers but fragile things.
I am also left wondering what if anything could have prevented this...maybe tighten/loosen cables, use Hobie lube instead of that wd40 which I NOW know is awful for a drive lube, use an old backup drive in muddy water, etc...any thoughts?
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