Gen 4 cx motor whine is slightly louder than it used to be

[billium]

My White E160 is almost 2 years old and has about 2500 mostly fair-weather miles but plenty of bridlepath mud too.
It has never had any motor issues but recently I have noticed that the motor whine is just a little louder than it used to be and also a little louder than other rider's CX bikes.
I do not hear or feel any indication of bearing issues - just the motor whine (presumably from the nylon gear).

Since the motor only has another week of warranty, is this cause for concern & should be taken to dealer or do they all get a little louder as they age?

Also, what is a reasonable crank seal inspect and repack grease interval? is 2500 miles too soon?

 

[Bear-uk]

Just take it straight to the dealer so they can log an issue and check it out. As for crank seal then every year.

 

[Tony4wd]

I tried to get Bosch Australia to look at a whiney CX (1800km) from my Cube Stereo 120 - shop said they're not interested unless it's near death. It's much louder than the other 2 CX motors I have (with 2200km and a new motor) so I opened it up for a look and it's fairly clean inside. I guess it's a rotor or transfer gear bearing but didn't have the correct bearing puller to keep going at the time. I've put it back in a lightly used bike for now.

If you're in the UK there are a couple of service shops that repair these motors for a reasonable price.

 

[Tone461]

I wouldnt risk it, get it to the shop asap. I sent my (used, no warranty) motor to Ebike motor centre with a lot less miles than that and it still needed a lot of replacement parts. Plus I now have confidence that its all been inspected.

 

[Bearing Man]

My White E160 is almost 2 years old and has about 2500 mostly fair-weather miles but plenty of bridlepath mud too.
It has never had any motor issues but recently I have noticed that the motor whine is just a little louder than it used to be and also a little louder than other rider's CX bikes.
I do not hear or feel any indication of bearing issues - just the motor whine (presumably from the nylon gear).

Since the motor only has another week of warranty, is this cause for concern & should be taken to dealer or do they all get a little louder as they age?

Also, what is a reasonable crank seal inspect and repack grease interval? is 2500 miles too soon?

This motor can get louder as it ages, there is no "Nylon gear" but there are two usual culprits. 1, There is a bearing in the transfer gearbox that becomes 'rough' and gets quite loud. 2, If you're hearing the whine when the motor is getting close to its usual cut-off speed, then it's wear on the helical armature gear. Both are fixable.

 

[billium]

Thanks,
I stand corrected, I remembered seeing a performance line teardown with nylon gears and just assumed....

Here is a link to a short video of the bike on a stand with no load.


Does not sound different to my old ears but is louder.

 

[Bearing Man]

Thanks,
I stand corrected, I remembered seeing a performance line teardown with nylon gears and just assumed....

Here is a link to a short video of the bike on a stand with no load.


Does not sound different to my old ears but is louder.

I can confirm it's not the armature gear. The problem with motor noises transmitted through audio equipment is that it's very difficult to get a good representation of the sound. However, your's is definitely not quiet! But, it sounds like a bit more that one transfer gear bearing... It does have a gear sound to it that maybe a sign that the main steel drive gear or transfer gears have sustained a bit of corrosion damage, but to be sure, further investigation would be required.
I would see if Bosch are going to be nice and look after you like they usually do, if not you know where to find us.

 

[eBikeMark]

I tried to get Bosch Australia to look at a whiney CX (1800km) from my Cube Stereo 120 - shop said they're not interested unless it's near death. It's much louder than the other 2 CX motors I have (with 2200km and a new motor) so I opened it up for a look and it's fairly clean inside. I guess it's a rotor or transfer gear bearing but didn't have the correct bearing puller to keep going at the time. I've put it back in a lightly used bike for now.

If you're in the UK there are a couple of service shops that repair these motors for a reasonable price.

View attachment 162223

Hi Tony, we have an eBike Motor Centre Austrlian partner www.ebikemotor.com.auif you want overhaul/upgrade

 

[Tony4wd]

Hi Tony, we have an eBike Motor Centre Austrlian partner www.ebikemotor.com.auif you want overhaul/upgrade

Hi Mark, I did check with the Aust. partner at the time, but I was able to find a brand new programmed motor from 'The Online Cycle Shop' for the same price (out of stock now). The Aust. repair prices are a little higher than UK.

 

[eBikeMark]

Hi Mark, I did check with the Aust. partner at the time, but I was able to find a brand new programmed motor from 'The Online Cycle Shop' for the same price (out of stock now). The Aust. repair prices are a little higher than UK.

OK thanks for the feedback. Do you still have the old motor? Talk to Paul at ebikemotor.com.au he may offer to buy the motor or part exchange if you want a 'spare'