Squeaky bodies?

For those who bought their Smart Doll(s) in 2014-2015, are their bodies squeaky when you move them?

 

I've noticed this for a while with my Mirai from 2014 but didn't realize the difference 'til I got a Kurenai this year. My Kurenai's arms and body move very smoothly and quietly. Whenever I move Mirai's arms, they squeak a LOT and they can be a bit stiff to move. Tbh it bothers me a bit to the point where I've considered buying my Mirai a new Smart Doll body.

But I'd like to know if this has happened to anyone else's old Smart Doll bodies?

Squeaking joints in vinyl/ABS dolls is quite common. The tolerances for skeletal parts are quite a bit closer than anything you will find in the resin world. The two parts have to be loose enough for them to move freely, yet be tight enough to have sufficient friction to hold a pose. The squeaking sound means the joint is tight and there is plenty of friction to hold a pose. If a joint seems firm, just move it carefully. If you pose your doll frequently the squeaking will lessen with time. If the squeaking really, really bothers you, you can give the "peg" part of the joint a couple of quick turns with a 100+ grit sandpaper till the squeaking subsides. But in doing so you risk making the joint loose, which will degrade the dolls ability to hold a pose.

It is best to just accept the squeaking as one of the differences between vinyls and resins. It's not like the doll is walking around all day squeaking constantly.

Danny uses some type of grease in the joints to make then move smoothly because they are tight , maybe there was not enough put on yours or maybe it dried out? you could pull the squeaky joints apart and use a little Vaseline .

If Danny does lube some joints find out exactly what he uses. Using something other than that could void your warrantee. And some lubricating materials could harm the plastic as well as leach out and stain clothing.

If Danny does lube some joints find out exactly what he uses. Using something other than that could void your warrantee. And some lubricating materials could harm the plastic as well as leach out and stain clothing.

If you have watched Danny Choo's Mirai Frame Challenge you would know that he dose indeed use grease in the joints ,

also he states on his Smart doll hacks page on his store page "If you want to make a joint stiffer, spray a load (loads and loads) of Break Cleaner on the joint and leave to dry for an hour or so - done! No damage will be caused to the joint. What the Break Cleaner does is remove some of the grease from inside the joint."

 

Being a mechanic for 20 years I know break Cleaner is very strong stuff and If Break Cleaner will not damage a smart doll then natural greases or synthetic grease should not harm them either especially Vaseline .