Nikon Silent Wave Motor Squeak...

[Vince Lupo]

I just got a used 17-35 f/2.8D Nikkor AF-S ED lens for my D700. It's really beautiful, and the image quality is great. One thing though -- when I use it in AF mode, the lens squeaks as it focuses (really high-pitched 'wee' sound). I spoke with my repair fellow, and he said that basically sometimes you get one with a noisy motor, and sometimes you don't. Won't affect anything, and isn't a sign that the motor is about to die, but it is pretty annoying.

Anyone have this curious phenomenon happen with any of their Nikon lenses? Any quick fixes without having to send it to Nikon for a $300 repair?

 

[finguanzo]

I once had that, on the same lens too... I was buying it new, so returned for another at the time.. Not sure if there is any quick fix, I doubt it though.. I heard someone from Fred Miranda forums who got one fixed for the same problem, It was pretty much a lens overhaul.. Not sure if there were any part replacements or just an adjustment..

 

[dogberryjr]

Same issue with the same lens. I find that it works itself out with some focusing.

 

[KerryMcClain]

I had a 17-35 that had the squeak a few years ago. Some research turned up that the squeak is caused by some lubricant drying out inside. Sometimes it would clear up by "excercising" the lens (let it focus min to infinity several times), but it would come back over time. I sent the lens to Nikon for a CLA & it worked perfectly after that. Since it's a lubrication issue, over time it may get worse to the point that you've got bigger problems that would cause an AF motor failure...which would be much more expensive to repair.

 

[ka1axy]

I bought one of those from KEH in December. It was in their as-is bin because of the motor squeak. Doing a web search, and depending on who you believe, I learned that the motor is either about to fail, and will cost $300 to $600 to repair or it makes noise and you deal with it, shouldn't be a problem. I got the lens for $650 and for that price, I was willing to take the gamble that the motor might fail some day.

It is an awesomely nice wide angle zoom lens, even if the motor does squeak!