Automatic Litterbox Central

We bought our ScoopFree Litterbox Christmas of 2007. I have had no problems with ours except the availability of the refills which I now get through ScoopFree themselves every 2 months or if I’m in a pinch I get the Littermaid rippoffs at PetSmart till the next shipment is sent. So we’re very happy with our ScoopFree and I could never use anything else.

Last month the units suddenly developed a very loud rubbing sound right before it gets to the bin to lift the lid. You can hear it upstairs that how loud it gets. It’s only on the way to the bin not on the way back. Has anyone had this happen to thier unit and was this a telltale sign that it’s on its way out?
I look the box over and could tell nothing out of ordinary and there no way of inspecting the track that I can figure out.

So how long has your ScoopFree last before it died on you?

What I think has happened is some crystals have gotten underneath the main cover of the SF unit and are grinding under there.

These units are actually very easy to service. I've also had mine for several years. (I say easy to service, but my profession is as an auto mechanic, so tinkering comes easily to me -- but this really isn't difficult).

If you turn the unit over, you will find 11 screws holding the two halves together. Unscrew those, and carefully turn the assembly back right side up again, and gently lift off the cover. This will expose the whole mechanism for you (not a complicated assembly, as you'll see). Check the sliding surfaces to make sure they are free of grit and crystal residue, using a soft clean rag. If you really want to go the extra mile, you can get a light silicone grease from your local automotive parts store and put a thin layer on the sliding surfaces.

Then reassemble and you should be fine.