Noisy bearing. Can it be replaced ?

[Albion]

My 3K Cyclone has what I'm pretty sure is a noisy bearing, on the opposite end to the drive sprocket.

When I have the motor running on the bench sitting on its end with the drive upwards, it's quite noisy. If I put it on its side and take the weight off that end, it's much quieter.

Also, when it's running (on the bench, off the bike) It just sits there nicely, going round and not moving, but will suddenly snatch. As though the noisy bearing has momentarily caught and made the motor jump round.

I've had the end of the motor off just to have a look at the gears, but didnt look at it from the point of view of pulling the guts out. Can this be done ?
On the non drive end, there is a recess with a steel insert. Is this anything to do with the bearing ? Can it be driven out ?

Has anyone had one of these motors apart ? or replaced the bearing in the non drive end ?

Are there any diagrams or pictures of the internal setup in these motors ?

Any help along these lines would be gratefully received.

[Albion]

I've determined that the bearing seems noisier when the motor is on its end because the rumbling is amplified through the bench.
I've also determined that the snatching when the motor is running is electrical rather than mechanical. So it's not threatening to seize up at any moment.
But have confirmed that the bearings are noisy.

I would still like to know about replacing the bearings.

Surely someone on this forum has had one of these motors apart ?

I saw a video of a courier in London who'd had a Cyclone motor apart to rewind it with more windings to enhance the performance.
I think it was an earlier motor, but basically the same.

No video of him doing the work unfortunately.

[calfee20]

I've determined that the bearing seems noisier when the motor is on its end because the rumbling is amplified through the bench.
I've also determined that the snatching when the motor is running is electrical rather than mechanical. So it's not threatening to seize up at any moment.
But have confirmed that the bearings are noisy.

I would still like to know about replacing the bearings.

Surely someone on this forum has had one of these motors apart ?

I saw a video of a courier in London who'd had a Cyclone motor apart to rewind it with more windings to enhance the performance.
I think it was an earlier motor, but basically the same.

No video of him doing the work unfortunately.

I have never seen a cyclone in the flesh. The only things I know are common to all motors, generators, and alternators. Mark the motor housing so you will be able to put it back together the way it came apart. There will be strong magnets in there which will try to keep the motor together. DON'T PINCH YOURSELF.

One way to check a ball bearing assembly if it is still attached to the armature is to hold it by the outer bearing race and spin it near your ear. If it is to heavy for that clamp the bearing in a vice with padded jaws and just barely squeeze it and then spin it. Minor imperfections will show up that way.

Finally I found a couple of links for you.

http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=8621&start=0&hilit=cyclone+naked

http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=13423

[Albion]

This is the bearing I'd like to replace. Or the equivalent of.

Thanks Calfee20, for taking the time to find those two threads for me. Much appreciated. The first one looks particularly helpful.

I've been listening to the motor closely, whilst letting it rotate very slowly. You can hear the rough, uneven noise of the worn bearings quite clearly.
It would probably go on to run well for quite a while yet, but I would like to get it as good as poss and put some good quality bearings in there.

I'm new to the Ebike forums, so havnt had the time to find my way around yet.
I kind of got the impression that this forum was put together by the guys at Luna ? Which is why I thought that someone on here would have had a 3k Cyclone apart.

[calfee20]

Hey what are you doing with an English ruler. I thought you guys were metric over there. More than 40 years ago when I was in the eighth grade we were learning the metric system because we were going to convert but the US dropped the ball.

[AZguy]

Notice that the divisions are 1/10th (vs. 1/8 or 1/16)?

I'm old enough to remember using drafting scales.... =]

[Albion]

That picture was from something online, but, I do use imperial and metric. I was at school around the the time that metrication was introduced, so I had the benefit of both.
Metric is good for quick accuracy but I much prefer imperial. Pounds and ounces, feet and inches are much better.

[calfee20]

Cyclones are quite cheap so maybe instead of repair people are just replacing them. http://lunacycle.com/cyclone-mid-dri...heel-sprocket/

That bearing is shielded not sealed which is ok in a closed environment like a motor. You could use either as a replacement and you should do both ends. Stay away from cheap Chinese bearings. They are not worth the effort of installation. Look around on the internet for replacements so you at least know the price. Some local suppliers have a tendency to rape you on their prices.

When you install them press only on the inner race. Never apply force through the moving balls of the bearings because you will make dents and flat spots. It looks like you could install them by lightly tapping them on with a deep socket or piece of pipe if you don't have a press.

Here is a bearing nomenclature chart that you may find useful.



Since you have this apart take a few photos and document it. Start a thread on it you will help everyone that follows you. You don't have to go into infinite detail just the basics and a few good photos.

[Albion]

I agree, they are quite cheap in the scheme of things. But it's the cost of shipping to the Uk that makes bearing renewal an attractive option.

Thanks for the bearing chart. We have a specialist bearing supplier nearby that will be able to match up and supply good quality bearings.
I'll definitely go for the best quality. I suspect that the standard bearings are probably cheap Chinese ones.

I will take photos of things as I do the job, but its not at the top of priorities at the moment. So as and when.

Thanks for the links etc. Much appreciated.