Help, my Vacocast is squeaking
Written on July 31, 2010 – 5:15 pm | by firstdayofsummer
I have been walking without the crutches for 3 days now and am LOVING the new found independence, I can’t sit still anymore! At first I just carefully walked around the house, then on an even walkway around the block, then in the garden, and all just works and feels great, mainly thanks to the Vacocast I think.
There is however one problem…..my vacocast pro is squeaking more and more. People around here usually politely pretend to ignore the fact that you are on crutches or wearing a boot but now they all just stare when I come because they hear me before they see me. Don’t get me wrong, I have no problem, that is I even get a kick out of telling people what happened and all but they squeaking is getting louder and louder and I am sure it’s not supposed to be like this.
Did anybody have the same problem and what did you do about it?
Thanks and happy healing,
ATR squeaky
UPDATE: After speaking to Matthew from Vacocast, I applied WD-40 to the boot and it completely stopped squeaking within 3-4 hours! I can not say enough about the customer service as he offered to mail me a replacement boot when the noise did not stop immediately.
Any of you out there still looking for a boot do yourself a favor and get the vacocast pro! (yes, I swear I don’t work for the company 
6 Responses to “Help, my Vacocast is squeaking”
By normofthenorth on Aug 1, 2010 | Reply
My AirCast started squeaking after a while, when it was flexing a lot. AIRecall, it was caused (and exacerbated) by a combination of aggressive walking and loose straps. Tightening the straps made the boot stiffer, so it squeaked less. (Ski boots tend to work the same way.)
Letting the boot flex, and leaving it loose enough that your foot can move around a little, isn’t a bad idea (IMHO), fairly soon before you set it to flex, and then get out of it entirely — if you can stand the noise!
Gunner and the other VacoCast mavens may have more specific ideas. (Lube job? Mouse traps?)
My new bike was assembled with the front brake a bit off-line, so it made a big racket. I meant to adjust it (loosening, rotating a little tapered washer around, and re-tightening), but I didn’t get around to it. Instead, I got in the habit of leaning on the BACK brakes, and saving the front brakes for (a) hard stops and (b) scaring people out of my way, instead of a horn or whistling!
Recently, the front brakes have worn down enough that they’re quiet, and I kind of miss the squeal!
By normofthenorth on Aug 1, 2010 | Reply
Why is that last comment awaiting moderation? Check your settings; you may want to loosen them up some.
By firstdayofsummer on Aug 1, 2010 | Reply
Thanks for letting me know Norm! I have no idea why it was not automatically approved…..I did not change anything in my settings. Will keep an eye on it.
As to the squeaking boot, I did figure out what makes it squeak (2 plastic hinges at the top back) and added a little bit of olive oil to it. Bit better now but will contact Vacoped tomorrow and check with them.
Nice bike story
By GerryR on Aug 1, 2010 | Reply
The whole business with posts requiring arbitration seems extremely random. If I’m logged in and add a new post to one of my own posts it always goes into the arbitration bucket, but if I’m not logged in it doesn’t. There doesn’t seem to be any logic involved at all.
By gunner on Aug 2, 2010 | Reply
Hi. I had no discernable noises with my VacoCast. Are you talking about the hinges int the back of the heel?
Are you enjoying the device as much as I did? I almost cringe every time I see someone in one of those boxy walking boots.
By firstdayofsummer on Aug 2, 2010 | Reply
Hi Gunner,
oh I am loving this boot and yes, I am also shocked when I see some of the other boots (we are just spoiled I guess).
It’s the hinges to adjust the calf size….will try WD-40 now as to Matt’s suggestion (he has also never heard of it before but it’s LOUD)
Are you still wearing your boot or long out of it?