eMTB Cleaning / Motor protection

[Cap'nJim]

Hi There.

I'm a self-confessed NOOB when it comes to the world of eMTB ownership having just received my Orbea Rise LT the other day. However as I have been researching about eMTBs, many sites seem to imply that the motors do not cope very well with dirt / water ingress and so many people experieince failures to the motor or electrical system. These articles generally go on to say about good ebike practises when it comes to cleaning and drying the bike, but I wondered if there were any other preventative steps I could take to further protect from this occuring?

For context I live in UK which is known for its wet / muddy climate so I'm keen to understand more on this before potentially causing damage my bike. As an additional opinion, I feel its a little strange that the bike industry is releasing products that potentially can't handle the enviroments for which they may need to operate in (mud / water) so would also welcome your opinions on this. Am I wrong / missed something here?

Thanks

 

[RustyMTB]

Far as I know, out of the major manufacturers, the only one who refuses to repair motors is Shimano. I know they also decline cooperation with people like Bearing man, cutting his business off at the knees with them. Everything else is repairable. If there's one manufacturer I would swerve all day long, it's Shimano.

 

[Hawk13]

How ridiculous is this thread, concerning a product we all spent thousands on, to use outside, in all weathers, that we cannot feel its advisable to clean the bike regularly or indeed, use a garden hosepipe, without incurring serious damage to parts and components due to water ingress !

the designers of these components need to start thinking of solutions, either through facilitating regular servicing or by robust design.

Agree 100%.

TQ and Trek advise that cleaning the bike with a hose is perfectly acceptable and warn only against using high pressure.

 

[JJ765]

Let's hear it then, what's your solution?

I think you might be confused, I don't have a solution. My comment isn't a criticism of the people on this forum and them highlighting the issues of water ingress, I'm just as peeved about as the rest. My point is, it's ridiculous we're having to discuss being overly cautious of use in wet conditions or cleaning a dirty bike. Yes, stand and pointing a high pressure jetwash or hose at the input shaft or any bearing is stupid and not to be advised, but cleaning a bike with a hose or riding through a puddle should be considered perfectly acceptable and the product should be designed to withstand that sort of use.

this is not aimed at us, the user, it directed at the designers and manufacturers.

 

[RustyMTB]

I think you might be confused,

Trust me mate, I've been around here long enough to very much not be confused. You seem to think you're saying something interesting & new, you're not. This topic has been done to death on this forum, your complaint is even addressed in the third & fourth posts on this thread - you might have had the courtesy to at least read them & respond on their merits but it was evidently too much to ask. There isn't much on these pages more tedious than someone complaining for the nth time that motors aren't waterproof & something must be done about it. We know.

 

[irie]

That's an easy answer. The ability to home replace all the affected components. Simple as that.
The problem with Emtb's isn't the fact that water can get in, it's the fact that we can't always replace all the required items.
It doesn't have to be a simple job, it can still be for places like the bearing man to replace, but ALL components must be replaceable.

Then only buy bikes with repairable motors. Simples.

 

[JJ765]

Trust me mate, I've been around here long enough to very much not be confused. You seem to think you're saying something interesting & new, you're not. This topic has been done to death on this forum, your complaint is even addressed in the third & fourth posts on this thread - you might have had the courtesy to at least read them & respond on their merits but it was evidently too much to ask. There isn't much on these pages more tedious than someone complaining for the nth time that motors aren't waterproof & something must be done about it. We know.

Sorry mate, not trying to be clever or have anything interesting to say and certainly not trying to be disrespectful at all, just adding an opinion. You seem to have gotten out of bed the wrong side today, or have I read you reply the wrong way. You may have read and discussed it all before, but the manufacturers aren't listening are they ! And believe or not they'll be someone else in the future asking the same questions as these, until the manufacturers do the right thing and come up with a motor that doesn't rot from the inside out when it gets wet.

I read it all mate, I can assure you I've been around the bike scene and mc world, along with military kit long enough to know there are solutions to every problem, it just needs people to either be forced or encouraged to find a solution.

Please don't take this thread input the wrong way, I am not in the position to have a positive influence on the industry as an individual, they will either listen to the buyer or go on making the same mistakes, no matter what I have to say.

touch wood, I've not had motor issues due to water, just poor contact with battery and connector whilst in scotland last year and I diagnosed and rectified it myself, thanks to google search.

forums are here for subjects to be discussed by all, no one wants to turn a reply into a slanging match, mutual respect given and hopefully taken.

 

[Alfmeister]

Having read the whole thread, I don’t think JJ765 is trying to be clever, and going by his replies, I think he did read the thread, just giving his view on the situation, as every other person on this forum does.

I actually think he is spot on, it does grind people, when they have spent thousands on a emtb, only to be told, don’t ride it in the wet, don’t clean it etc, etc. Yes this has been talked about to death, and yet we still get new owners querying about it. I actually think it is a good thing to constantly talk about it, keep it going, because, this type of forum can actually make a difference. Manufacturers do read forums, or should I say employees do, so if that can at some point get the manufacturers to improve their product, then it’s a win for the consumer.

Merry Christmas to all.

 

[Just gan]

Doesn't say anything in my manual about not riding in wet . Only kidding but imagine if you did that you would not be out much in some parts of the world . End up with a cloud phobia not mentioning any names like. Dull today so I won't bother.

 

[RustyMTB]

only to be told, don’t ride it in the wet

Who's told you that?

 

[JJ765]

Who's told you that?

Its a figure of speech, he isn't (I assume) suggesting you or anyone else said it, just becomes a perceived perception that effectively if you don't want your motor to rot, don't get it wet.
Merry christmas to my fellow emtb'ers

 

[RustyMTB]

Maybe the chap could answer for himself in order that we can avoid percived perceptions

 

[Reno Vaziar]

Nechcem aby môj príspevok vyznel ako že niekomu vnucujem svoj názor alebo svoje riešenie pre ochranu motora ale je ochotný niekto aj preto niečo reálne urobiť?.....alebo chcete len o tom diskutovať na fore ? Pozrel si niekto môj odkaz na fotogaleriu ktorý je pod príspevkom na predchádzajucej strane ?Rozumiete tým fotografiam a popisom k nim ?

 

[pagheca]

How ridiculous is this thread, concerning a product we all spent thousands on, to use outside, in all weathers, that we cannot feel its advisable to clean the bike regularly or indeed, use a garden hosepipe, without incurring serious damage to parts and components due to water ingress !

the designers of these components need to start thinking of solutions, either through facilitating regular servicing or by robust design.

“‘Ridiculous’ is a bit too strong a word in my view, but you do have a point.

But facts and data will always prevail over theories. That said, I’m also wondering about cleaning an emtb: has anyone here ever had issues when cleaning it with a hose or with pressurized water? I mean having problems BECAUSE you cleaned it with a hose, not just by coincidence.

 

[Just gan]

“‘Ridiculous’ is a bit too strong a word in my view, but you do have a point.

But facts and data will always prevail over theories. That said, I’m also wondering about cleaning an emtb: has anyone here ever had issues when cleaning it with a hose or with pressurized water? I mean having problems BECAUSE you cleaned it with a hose, not just by coincidence.

I had problems after washing with a hose . Often a day or two after when i wanted to go out and it was mostly the battery to motor cable. Occasionally the TCU connection plugs. Pain taking crank off to get in to cable then dry it out in house. Got better with the 3rd version of cable. Not had any issues with gen 3 levo I got in April. I wash with sponge now occasional sprinkle with hose but careful round motor area. A tip i got from Chris at Berkshire cycles , he said motor heat creates condensation as well told me to look for greenery on the TCU plug at motor end sure enough I could see it. Told to work plug in and out a few times to help clear it. Happy careful washing now.

 

[pagheca]

interesting, thanks. I have to clean my ebike (again...) after a ride in the woods around home...

... and I was eager to save time this time using a hose, but I will not .

Anyone else with direct experience of issues after using a hose here?

 

[irie]

interesting, thanks. I have to clean my ebike (again...) after a ride in the woods around home...

View attachment 173074

... and I was eager to save time this time using a hose, but I will not .

Anyone else with direct experience of issues after using a hose here?

I use a low pressure garden hose on our non-smart Rails but not near the motor, the battery side of the down tube, or charging port. In other words, avoiding all electrical parts. We have front RRP mudguards and rear Mudhuggers - ugly but functional.

 

[Just gan]

interesting, thanks. I have to clean my ebike (again...) after a ride in the woods around home...

View attachment 173074

... and I was eager to save time this time using a hose, but I will not .

Anyone else with direct experience of issues after using a hose here?

Just use hose on the rest of bike .

 

[steve_sordy]

interesting, thanks. I have to clean my ebike (again...) after a ride in the woods around home...



... and I was eager to save time this time using a hose, but I will not .

Anyone else with direct experience of issues after using a hose here?

If we knew where "here" was. "Somewhere in the galaxy" doesn't really pin it down.

 

[pagheca]

If we knew where "here" was. "Somewhere in the galaxy" doesn't really pin it down.

here = among the users of this forum...

 

[irie]

If we knew where "here" was. "Somewhere in the galaxy" doesn't really pin it down.

IIRC - Bologna

 

[TimC7]

I use a hose brush on just a trickle on my Rise and not had any issues in 3yrs. Just dropped the motor out for an overhaul and there was a very small amount of dried dust/mud but the connectors were clean.

 

[pagheca]

On the forum I often see photos of e-MTBs that look shiny and brand new. Since I moved here, however, every winter ride leaves my Trek as one big lump of mud — sometimes I even have to remove whole chunks by hand from around the mudguards and all the tight spots in the frame. In winter there’s mud everywhere here, to the point that one of the biggest issues off-road is how slippery everything is.

To avoid damaging the electrical components, I don’t want to use a pressure washer, so I stick to a bucket of lukewarm water and a sponge. The result is acceptable, but nothing impressive.

So… how do you manage to keep your bikes so clean???

 

[InRustWeTrust]

On the forum I often see photos of e-MTBs that look shiny and brand new. Since I moved here, however, every winter ride leaves my Trek as one big lump of mud — sometimes I even have to remove whole chunks by hand from around the mudguards and all the tight spots in the frame. In winter there’s mud everywhere here, to the point that one of the biggest issues off-road is how slippery everything is.

To avoid damaging the electrical components, I don’t want to use a pressure washer, so I stick to a bucket of lukewarm water and a sponge. The result is acceptable, but nothing impressive.

So… how do you manage to keep your bikes so clean???

Hose it down with water, then spray on some Muc-Off or another alkaline degreaser and wait a few minutes before rinsing it off again. Finish by wiping the bike dry with a microfiber cloth.

 

[Just gan]

Put heavy duty degreaser on with spray ( 5 LTRE Screwfix £13 ) leave a while sponge off. Yes I do wheels etc with hose on sprinkle if it's really rottenjust careful where I point hose. It's impossible to keep them clean I was on road yesterday still needed a clean. Trying to stay off trails this winter, it won't work though.

 

[trm1]

As I've already said, I use a pressure washer (each to their own) but when used sensibly.... and I've never had a problem, the trick is not to go mad and blast close up to the obvious areas. After washing wipe down, blow off the bike if you have a compressor (I do) then spray, with water repelling spray around the key areas ( make sure you thoroughly cover the brakes) first.
Where I ride it's mainly 'water' that's the major issues for me and not so much Mud,
As a mechanic and after a UK winter, I will go over my bike and it will get anything it needs ie new chain any bearings etc etc....if needed, the fact that I can do all the work myself means it's just costing me parts and my labour is free.

 

[steve_sordy]

.................
To avoid damaging the electrical components, I don’t want to use a pressure washer, so I stick to a bucket of lukewarm water and a sponge. The result is acceptable, but nothing impressive.

So… how do you manage to keep your bikes so clean???

I live in the clay mud areas of Lincolnshire, so I know what mud is (see pic below).
I buy 5-litres of the cheapest non-wax, no-salt, car wash cleaner that I can find from the local motor factor (Halfords near me). It foams up nicely and helps to dissolve the mud, even clay mud.

That mud actually stopped the bike! If I had carried on, the paint would have been abraded from the stays. Using a nearby stick, I cleaned out sufficiently to proceed. I asked a couple of walkers what the trail was like ahead. They told me it was not too bad at all. So I set off again. I had to stop within 200 yards and repeat the cleaning with yet another stick! And this was a sunny day in April in the UK!

 

[pagheca]

thanks for the (many) suggestion.

An additional problem is that I do not have an area where to clean the ebike. I have a garden but I do not want to pollute it with washers or salty substances. I have to find out a solution. Also, I do not have a compressor, but I could by one...

Question: do you disassemble some parts like batteries, wheels to better clean it?

 

[Just gan]

thanks for the (many) suggestion.

An additional problem is that I do not have an area where to clean the ebike. I have a garden but I do not want to pollute it with washers or salty substances. I have to find out a solution. Also, I do not have a compressor, but I could by one...

Question: do you disassemble some parts like batteries, wheels to better clean it?

Get a better clean if you remove wheels. All depends how fussy you are and if you are going out again two days later in similar conditions is it worth the bother.

 

[trm1]

thanks for the (many) suggestion.

An additional problem is that I do not have an area where to clean the ebike. I have a garden but I do not want to pollute it with washers or salty substances. I have to find out a solution. Also, I do not have a compressor, but I could by one...

Question: do you disassemble some parts like batteries, wheels to better clean it?

No I didn't disassemble my ebike before washing it off, I do use some bike/mx bike Muc Junkie bike wash, very similar to Muc Off in everyway.....Not aggressive to your paint and parts, helps lift and carry the dirt away and it's biodegradable as far as I'm aware.
Oh the other thing that I would on mentioned, on my new Cube emtb, I did buy a full Invisiframe kit £100 ( fitted it myself)
This keeps your frame in the very best condition possible and definitely help with the UK winter muck. Also it helps if you protect your bike cable sockets and plugs with dielectric grease.

 

[trm1]

Get a better clean if you remove wheels. All depends how fussy you are and if you are going out again two days later in similar conditions is it worth the bother.

Exactly