Minelab E-Trac Shaft Wobble

[detectingmetal]

Just wondering if anyone else has experienced wobbling at the middle shaft joint/connector on their E-Trac..... And what they've done to fix it, and is it covered under the warranty?
Mine began to develop an annoying wobble about 7 months after using it and it seems to be getting gradually worse. I've now owned it about 11 months. The wobble is more pronounced the longer the rod is extended out.
I'm assuming it's due to metal wear on the shaft and/or the clamp is getting weak.
Thanks for any comments.....

 

[Rolladex]

Try a piece of electrician tape. Put about a 9 inch piece link wise on top of the shaft.Then push the clamp down don't force it. If is to tight don't use the tape. But that is what I do it works for me.

 

[E-TREC-Virginia]

What size coil are you using or have been using? Most of the time, the wobble effect is brought on from the use of the heaver coils. When you put your lower shaft in, you will notice that it has some play in it, meaning it will turn side to side slightly. I noticed when I use my 15X12, if I turn it all the way to one side (does not matter whether left or right) and then tighten the clamp, the wobble is a little less pronounced.

 

[detectingmetal]

I'ved used the stock 11" coil the whole time. I only recently bought a 6" coil, which wobbles the shaft about the same.
I thought of putting tape on the end, but I need to collapse the shaft for transportation and don't want it getting all gummed up inside.....and the tape would only be a temporary fix.

 

[Ray-Mo.]

MOST OF THE TIME THE WOBBLE IS CAUSED BY WEAR AT THE VERY TOP END OF LOWER SHAFT.IF YOU WRAP ONE WRAP OF THIN TAPE AROUND IT YOU WILL HAVE NO MORE WOBBLE AND CAN STILL SLIDE THE SHAFTS TOGETHER FOR TRANSPORT.

 

[mikeeatsbugs]

ive had trouble with that also and used tape on the inner part of the shaft, like the others mentioned. another thing to consider is a 'tall man' shaft. adjusted out to your usual length, it adds a little bit more stock into the upper shaft and adds stability. hope this helps. it works well for me. mike

 

[Joe19403]

Happen to me once but the cam lock wasn't locked. I would contact minelab since it 's still under warranty and mostly they will send replacement parts at no charge.

 

[grouser]

that's not a wobble it's ML's "shaft dampner" for less wear on your wrist,,,,,

 

[ryanchappell]

I am not sure if this is the same issue, but my lower shaft suddenly started slipping up and down. I detected with it that way for 6 months. I thought the lower red rubber/plastic stopper plate (a wearable part like a brake pad) inside the cam shaft had warn too much, and I would have to buy a new one, so I kept putting it off.

Finally I called Minelab about it last month and they mailed me a new one. It was then that I realized that it wasn't the rubber part, it was a small rectangular metal plate on that part that must have fallen off. I think I remember seeing it in my garbage bucket. Next time I go through that bucket I will keep an eye out for it.

I would definitely look at that part each cam lock, upper and lower, has a red plate inside it. The trunk on my Honda Accord is too narrow unless I quickly adjust the shaft length. I need to remember to lock the cam so any play will not damage it in transit, and make sure that the coiled part of the coil cord does not rub it when I yank out a lower shaft. I am really not sure how the metal plate got lost.

 

[badjim]

at the top of y md shaft is a little loss . i just shim it with a peace of paper that helps it from wobbling and sliding out

 

[moose]

I am just now noticing lower shaft wobble and I appreciate the feed back and DM for post.

Moose

 

[detectingmetal]

I know this is old, but I finally got around to tinkering with the cam lock. I had another upper shaft with very little use on it as I bought a probe not long after getting the e-trac.
I swapped the little rubber pad (like ryanchappell mentioned above) under the cam lever with the other one and it doesn't seem to wobble now.

The old pad didn't seem to be worn down too much, but it was hardened, not rubbery like the other one. The clamp lever is noticeably stronger now. The pad is fairly easy to pop out from the inside. There's also the metal plate on the back which could come unglued like he mentioned above.

 

[Ken in Georgia]

Good information here Thanks for the help if and when it happens.......

 

[ryanchappell]

Definitely call Minelab support if this happens to you. Ask to speak to a technician. Describe the problem, and ask if it could be a warn cam lock. They sent me a new red cam lock right away, and that kept mine from slipping! It will probably help the wobbles as well. HH.

 

[E-Trac-Ohio]

Yes ... got the wear wobble approx. a year ago - I put a wrap and half of 2" wide packing tape on the shaft - this took the wobble out.