Once I had a piano with this same problem. VJ lube didn't do it, Pro-Lube didn't help. When I mixed some powdered teflon into the VJ lube, it worked. I can't say why, but it did. The piano left town, so I don't know how long the "cure" lasted. I doubt replacing the leather is going to solve the problem. I never thought of using soap, so if it works, it's good. I'll try it next time. I'm not sure what kind of soap we're talking about (hand soap in a bottle or bar soap).
A lot of times it's the rod itself rubbing on the guide hole near the top. I'll often lube it there with Pro-Lube and it seems to help. Squeaks seem to travel from where they originate to some other place, so it could be the pitman pin squeaking in the rubber bushing on the damper tray. Some player systems have a double lever system that squeaks when the teflon wears through on one of the levers, and there's metal to metal contact. Maybe it's not relevant in this case, but I've heard squeaks come from unusual places.
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Paul McCloud, RPT
Accutone Piano Service
www.AccutonePianoService.compavadasa@gmail.com------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 01-20-2026 18:49
From: Peter Stevenson
Subject: Grand Pedal Rod Squeak
Hello all,
What is the best practice for dealing with the squeak at the interface between the top of a pedal rod and the leather pad in the trapwork on a grand piano? I've heard of a slight film of VJ lube on the top of the pedal rod, rubbing PTFE into the leather, using McLube on the top of the rod, and rubbing Ivory soap into the leather. What do people find the most effective and long-lasting
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Peter Stevenson RPT
P.S. Piano Service
Prince George BC
(250) 562-5358
ps@pspianos.com
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