Why Is My Casket Lowering Device Clicking or Clacking?
Updated: 1 day ago
A repetitive clicking or clacking sound from a casket lowering device should not be treated as normal operating noise, especially if the sound is new or has become more noticeable.
On governor-equipped casket lowering devices, a repetitive clicking or clacking sound is associated with the governor assembly. However, hearing that sound does not automatically mean the complete governor assembly needs to be replaced.
Several different conditions can affect how the governor system operates, so the device should be properly evaluated before parts are ordered.
A Clicking or Clacking Sound Is Not a Lubrication Problem
It is common to hear a mechanical noise and assume the equipment simply needs more oil or grease. That makes sense with many everyday mechanical items, but a casket lowering device is different.
A constant clicking or repetitive clacking sound will not be corrected simply by adding more lubricant.
Proper lubrication remains an important part of normal lowering-device maintenance, but lubrication should not be treated as the solution to every sound the equipment makes. If a repetitive clacking sound develops, continuing to add grease or oil is not addressing the condition producing the noise.
The Sound May Come From the Governor Without Meaning the Governor Is Bad
The governor assembly is part of the system that controls the lowering rate of the device. A clacking sound can point the inspection toward that system, but it does not automatically mean the governor assembly itself has failed.
The governor may be reacting to another condition within the speed-control system. The condition may involve adjustment, wear, the governor pad, or another factor affecting how the system is operating.
That is why replacing a complete governor assembly simply because the device is clacking can result in purchasing parts that were not actually needed.
Speed Alone Does Not Diagnose a Governor Problem
Lowering speed can be useful information, but it should not be used by itself to determine whether the governor system is operating properly.
A lowering device can be:
operating at a normal lowering speed while the governor is still clicking or clacking,
lowering too fast while also clicking or clacking, or
lowering too fast without producing a noticeable clicking sound at all.
In other words, normal speed does not automatically mean the governor system is fine, and excessive speed does not automatically mean the device will clack.
That is why a governor-related complaint should not be diagnosed from one symptom alone. The complete operating condition should be evaluated before deciding whether a component needs adjustment, replacement, or no replacement at all.
The Part Making the Sound Is Not Automatically the Part That Needs Replacing
The clacking may be heard from the governor assembly, but that does not mean the complete governor assembly is necessarily defective.
Several conditions within the speed-control system can affect how the governor operates. A technician needs to determine why the governor is behaving that way before deciding which component actually needs attention.
Simply replacing the assembly because it is involved in producing the sound can result in replacing a serviceable part while leaving the actual condition unresolved.
Pay Attention to How the Sound Behaves
Useful observations include whether the clicking or clacking repeats as the device operates, whether it is becoming louder or more pronounced, and whether another change in operation appeared at the same time.
A short video or audio recording can also help a technician hear exactly what cemetery personnel are describing, provided it can be recorded safely without repeatedly cycling questionable equipment.
Do not place a questionable device over an open grave or under a casket simply to reproduce the sound.
Why Proper Diagnosis Matters
This is one reason professional inspection and preventive maintenance can save money.
Instead of working backward from a single symptom—such as assuming that a click means the governor must be replaced—the device can be operated, inspected, and evaluated as a complete system.
The goal is to correct the condition that actually exists, not replace every component associated with the symptom.
Preventive maintenance also provides an opportunity to find developing conditions, make appropriate service adjustments, and determine which parts actually need replacement before a larger failure occurs.
The Bottom Line
A repetitive clicking or clacking sound points the inspection toward the governor system, but neither the sound nor the lowering speed should be used alone to decide which part needs replacement.
A device can clack at a normal speed, clack while running fast, or run fast without clacking at all. A constant click or clack is also not something that will be corrected simply by adding more lubricant.
Proper diagnosis is what determines what actually needs adjustment, replacement, or service. That can be considerably less expensive than replacing parts based on a symptom alone.
NEED HELP WITH YOUR EQUIPMENT?
Have a question about what your equipment is doing? Tap the chat button in the bottom-right corner of your screen and ask us. Tell us what you're seeing, hearing, or experiencing, and include photos or video when helpful.
No sales pitch — just practical equipment support.
Need professional service for this equipment?