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I have an RK PRR Mountain (30-1812-1) that has an pronounced squeak which occurs consistently at the same spot in the revolution of the driver.  I usually run around 3/4 sound volume - it is loud enough to be heard over the sound.  Also does it without the sound on - so it is not something in the sound file.  I believe there is more than one revolution of the motor for each driver revolution so I am leaning to this not being from a motor bearing but rather from either a driver bearing or the main rods.  I have gotten a couple of drops of oil on each of the 8 bearings as well as all the points on the rods / valve gear.  I also removed the bottom screw and checked the grease on the internal gears - grease was visible and I added a small amount of Red n Tacky working it in with a toothpick.

To eliminate the problem being with the side rods - any harming pulling the rods and running without the rods in place?  I purchased some quality nut drivers that will fit the screws.  Do the screws have any thread lock applied at the factory?  If I take the screws out will a normal tightening suffice or should I use something like a blue Loctite (i.e. the one that allows for easier future disassembly) during reassembly.

Appreciate any thoughts!

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I finally got some time to look at this and suggestions from both @Jon G and @harmonyards pointed to the issue.  I put a few drops of oil on the cross head guides - top and bottom - and the squeak was eliminated.

Figuring oiling did not actually address the cause of the problem but rather the symptom and considering that there may be binding I pulled the drive rod off of the fireman side as the cross head guide looked a bit bent.  Sure enough, at full back stroke there was some significant resistance.  I worked on delicately straightening the best I could as well as smoothing the edges of the cRoss head and guides with a very fine file.  Cleaned everything up, reassembled and put a touch of PTFE grease on the end of the cross head guide.  I have ran close to eight hours so far and everything is fine.

Thanks again for the suggestions!

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