Large BGE hinge problem

AHG

Hello--

I'm a longtime BGE owner (since 2009) but am brand new the forum.

I recently discovered during cooks the lid on my large BGE will somehow shift when I open it, which does not allow me to close it properly. The alignment gets completely off which can only be remedied (and finally closed) by opening and closing the lid over and over.

Upon inspection, I found that a bolt on the right side of the hinge (facing it) is no longer seated properly. I'm including images below to offer examples of what I'm describing.

I'm curious if any EGGheads out there believe this can be remedied by simple adjustment or if it requires purchasing and installing the new Spring Assisted Bands I have read about in other posts. I have registered for the warranty, but understand this part of the BEG only has a 5-year warranty which has obviously passed. I had no idea until this issue what I have has been replaced on current models.

If the answer is the new bands, has anyone had luck installing them?

I appreciate any insight you may have!

pgprescott

It's the bottom bolt on the hinge that is loose. I have this issue now after a dozen or so years. I have been periodically tightening it over the last year or so. I will likely replace the bands real soon. I think they have done me a good job for 12+ years. I could replace the bolts and nuts etc, but I will just give her a new set. It's prolly just the nylon lock but that is worn out though. Maybe I'll replace mine before going full replacement. 

THEBuckeye

Call Bruce

pgprescott

See where the spring is on the bottom bolt? It's loose. That is the totality of the issue. 

fishlessman

the bottom spring bolt has an inner nut between the bracket and spring, when its loose the bolt leans over and the spring doesnt engage properly shifting the lid towards the functional spring on the other side. tighten the inner nut til its perpendicular with the bracket

AHG

Thanks, everyone. I was hoping it would be that simple. I will try that tonight and hopefully, I can skip the new bands. 

EggMcMic

I think you have gotten some good advice, but I'll chime in on the new bands. I got a set several months ago and it was a quick and easy replacement and have had no issues since. Just in case you go that route...

Carolina Q

Mine has looked like that since I bought it in 2009. Same bolt. The one on the other side is tighter. I've just left it alone because it has worked and aligned perfectly from the beginning.

OhioEgger

@AHG, thanks very much for posting this. It made me go look at my 2011 model LBGE and I saw the exact same thing. Haven't had any slippage problem yet, but I went ahead and tightened it up. Should be good, and now I'll know to check that now and then.

Photo Egg

A little oil into the moving joints will also help.

AHG

I wanted to follow-up to say thank you to everyone for the suggestions. It was as simple as tightening the various bolts and putting a little WD-40 on the springs. I don't plan on to upgrade to the new bands unless this problem comes back in the near future.

I will tell you I've learned even a half turn too tight means the lid won't open at all. I had to play with it a few times until I hit the "sweet" spot.

Thanks again.

Carolina Q

AHG said:

I will tell you I've learned even a half turn too tight means the lid won't open at all. I had to play with it a few times until I hit the "sweet" spot.

That's why I left mine alone. Mine worked even though it didn't look quite right. Still doesn't.

LakeSeminoleEgger

I fought this problem on LBGE purchased in 2010 for about a year then broke down and got the new bands. Easy install, no problems other than me getting used to top not opening as wide as before.