Problems steering my Inglesina Trip

[rgors]

I have an Inglesina Trip (manuf. in 2008). It used to steer "ok" - not great -- but now the steering has degraded to being really sticky. The only time it steers well is on a semi-rough surface like a sidewalk. Indoors at the mall -- forget it - I am forever fighting to get it to go in the right direction. Sometimes I push it with brute force and I look down and the wheel isn't even rolling -- it's just perpendicular to the direction I am going.

The wheels are definitely not locked in place.

Haven't tried any wd40 or anything like that, which I guess will be my first step.

Does anyone else have similar issues? Other than this, I love the stroller (how it folds, how it reclines, sunshade, etc). But right now I am really wishing I had a mac.

[bubbaray]

Don't use WD40. Never use it on strollers.

Use silicone spray or, in a pinch, Pledge.

[salsah]

Originally Posted by bubbaray

Don't use WD40. Never use it on strollers.

Use silicone spray or, in a pinch, Pledge.

oops. i've used wd40. why shouldn't i use it? (please don't tell me that the damage is irreversible.) what is silicone spray / where can i find it?

[bubbaray]

WD40 attracts dirt to the part of the stroller you put it on. Dirt in the moving parts wears them down and affects performance. I wouldn't worry too much (especially if you wash the frame), just don't continue to use it.

You can usually get Silicone Spray in the car care part of big stores (Walmart) or at car places. Some stroller stores sell it too.

[salsah]

thanks. i did notice that it attracts more dirt. i just didn't know that there is another option.

[strollerqueen]

Originally Posted by rgors

I have an Inglesina Trip (manuf. in 2008). It used to steer "ok" - not great -- but now the steering has degraded to being really sticky. The only time it steers well is on a semi-rough surface like a sidewalk. Indoors at the mall -- forget it - I am forever fighting to get it to go in the right direction. Sometimes I push it with brute force and I look down and the wheel isn't even rolling -- it's just perpendicular to the direction I am going.

The wheels are definitely not locked in place.

Haven't tried any wd40 or anything like that, which I guess will be my first step.

Does anyone else have similar issues? Other than this, I love the stroller (how it folds, how it reclines, sunshade, etc). But right now I am really wishing I had a mac.

Just remember that strollers, like cars, need regular maintenance. Some manufacturers reccommend that you clean and lube the wheels every six weeks. I guess it depends on how much/how hard/where you use it.

[salsah]

Originally Posted by strollerqueen

Just remember that strollers, like cars, need regular maintenance. Some manufacturers reccommend that you clean and lube the wheels every six weeks. I guess it depends on how much/how hard/where you use it.

so (just in case i've been doing this wrong too) how do you recommend cleaning the wheels?

[strollerqueen]

Since I have, ahem, a lot of strollers, none of them get used much. But, when I do need to wash them, I usually do it in the shower, with a mild dish soap, and soft cloth or brush. I towel dry it, then let it continue to drip dry.

Others will remove all of the fabric, and throw it in the washing machine.

I use soap and a stiffer brush on the tires, to get all the little gravel bits and smashed berries off them. I may also use a tire cleaner. I towel dry the whole area, making sure to get the water out of the inside. Then I spray the heck out of them with silicone spray, or something similar. Make sure you spray the axles and the turning mechanisms.

If you can take the wheels off easily, it is best to clean them separately. But if you can't, it is OK to just wash them while they are attached to the chassis. (It's just a little more awkward.) We also have a lot of cleaning tips in the Database on Strollerswap.

Good luck, and I bet you will be amazed at the difference it makes!

[MamaKath]

I haven't checked the responses but here are my thoughts.

First I would clean it. You can search here for tips there have been numerous discussions. Dirt can affect the steering. Also lubricate the wheels with some silicone spray.

Second I would look carefully at the frame. Like get on the kitchen floor with nothing in the buggy. Do the wheels touch? If they don't, try putting something in the seat. Now do they? If this is the case, the frame is bent. Unfortunately, umbrella fold strollers are especially prone to bent frames from riding in trunks with lots of other things. You would need to contact the manufacturer regarding repair.

I hope it is a simple cleaning fix and that you will be right back to your smoooooooth strollering in no time!

[salsah]

thank you!