Noise from motor

[Trawlerfresh]

I have a 250w front wheel 36v motor that has stated to get very noisy after about 6 miles it starts off silent as journey progresses the whining noise gets worse and wheel when turned by hand stops feel stiff and jerkey.next day wheel spins free as normal and is quiet again under power any idea of problem and could I damage motor using it like this.thanks Carl

 

[dnmun]

bad bearings?

 

[Ykick]

Likely geared motor, yes?

If so, could be clutch, bearings. Clutches are notoriously shit on many of the small geared hub motors. They can usually be reworked but it’s a weak design how the cylinders are supposed to help engage using poorly designed springs.

Is it hard to turn in both directions? Only one direction, then you may have a controller/phase problem.

 

[Trawlerfresh]

Thanks for your prompt reply yes the wheel is stiff both ways but in morning back to normal(free).is it worth trying to fix motor not done much mileage less than 1500k

 

[amberwolf]

If it gets worse as you go then is fine later, then the problem is almost certainly heat related.

Stuff expands as it gets warmer, so probably something is heating up and rubbing on something else.

Unfortunately the only way to find out what would be to open it up and examine it carefully for wear marks from teh rubbing, to try to locate exactly where it is coming from.

If the rubbing is happening inside something (bearing, etc) you won't be able to see it, though.

It's also possible that while apart you may not find any issue, and that when reassembled it may go away.

 

[Trawlerfresh]

Thanks will open it up and check as you say are there any loose parts that might spring out that will make reassembly difficult?

 

[Ykick]

Do you have a motor model or can you throw up a picture of both side of your hub motor? There's various ways to open them and possibly offer description of what you're likely to find inside?

Loose parts to watch out for would be the clutch rollers/springs. Pay particular attention since they're steel and can become stuck to motor magnets, roll/jump away etc.

 

[Trawlerfresh]

Have opened motor, it is a brushed motor bearings look good no play ,clutch gears turning fine no wear whatsoever there seems to be a burnt smell from brushes can't see if they are worn down though would worn brushes cause whining after 6 miles continuous use?

 

[amberwolf]

Probably not, but if the brush holder, or some other metal part, is very very very close to some other metal part, it could rub only when it is warmed up.

Either way, it would leave some small wear mark (may take bright light (sunlight) and the right angle to see it.

 

[lbz5mc12]

If your controller has hall effect wires one of the connections might be loose. If you have power turned on and one of the connections is a little loose it can make the motor feel gummy. Also check to see if any of the wires are crossed this could also cause the same problem.