Motor Noise from Rad Mini

[xracer34]

I have about 60 miles on this bike and it makes a loud noise/rattling sound. Rad tech person sent me a new controller no joy after installing. Occurs mostly when starting out from rolling start in PAS 3 while lightly applying throttle and stops around 10MPH. Spokes, wheel, fender and bakes are all tight.
Thanks,
Larry

 

[Drew]

I have test ridden Rad Rover and Mini with Bafang hub motor and not heard anything like a rattling noise. Rattling is not a normal motor noise for any kind of motor.

 

[Ann M.]

@xracer34, just curious what gear you are in when starting from a dead stop at PAS 3? If you are in a really high gear or climbing a hill from a dead stop in a high gear this might be stress on the motor. Another thought, have you checked the voltage on your battery. It's common for a hub motor to make noise if being used in a higher assist level with a low voltage or bad battery.

 

[xracer34]

@xracer34, just curious what gear you are in when starting from a dead stop at PAS 3? If you are in a really high gear or climbing a hill from a dead stop in a high gear this might be stress on the motor. Another thought, have you checked the voltage on your battery. It's common for a hub motor to make noise if being used in a higher assist level with a low voltage or bad battery.

@xracer34, just curious what gear you are in when starting from a dead stop at PAS 3? If you are in a really high gear or climbing a hill from a dead stop in a high gear this might be stress on the motor. Another thought, have you checked the voltage on your battery. It's common for a hub motor to make noise if being used in a higher assist level with a low voltage or bad battery.

@xracer34, just curious what gear you are in when starting from a dead stop at PAS 3? If you are in a really high gear or climbing a hill from a dead stop in a high gear this might be stress on the motor. Another thought, have you checked the voltage on your battery. It's common for a hub motor to make noise if being used in a higher assist level with a low voltage or bad battery.

 

[xracer34]

Well, I stated that it was from a rolling start. I found that it occurs in all gears from 2-3 MPH until I reach 10MPH. Turned out to be a problem with the tail light.

 

[murbot]

Well, I stated that it was from a rolling start. I found that it occurs in all gears from 2-3 MPH until I reach 10MPH. Turned out to be a problem with the tail light.

xracer, If you're still out there, what specifically was the issue and how as it resolved? I installed a rear rack on my 2021 Mini 4, but also removed, and reinstalled the rear tire (to clean the rotor).
I get rattle that clearly comes from inside the motor. It does not occur unless the motor receives power from the throttle or PAS 2-5 and I'm on the bike. If the bike is on the stand and the rear tire in the air, the motor doesn't make the noise with throttle or PA.

 

[AHicks]

xracer, If you're still out there, what specifically was the issue and how as it resolved? I installed a rear rack on my 2021 Mini 4, but also removed, and reinstalled the rear tire (to clean the rotor).
I get rattle that clearly comes from inside the motor. It does not occur unless the motor receives power from the throttle or PAS 2-5 and I'm on the bike. If the bike is on the stand and the rear tire in the air, the motor doesn't make the noise with throttle or PA.

That sounds like it could be a loose spoke problem.

 

[murbot]

That sounds like it could be a loose spoke problem.

It actually turned out to be the motor...or at least that's what Rad determined based on a video that shows the noise starting when the motor receives power and increasing respective to PAS level. They're shipping a new motor, but not just that, they're sending an entire wheel, with tire and tube, gear cassette, brake rotor etc. I'll only need to swap out the wheels and I'll have a spare. I can eventually purchase a 750w and install in one wheel so I'll have the quick change option of a 500w and a 750w.

Though I think it will ship with a 3" tire so I'll need to move my 4" tire along with the PITA Tannus foam over to the new one...or swap motors.

I figured they would cover it. They've been great so far, but I wasn't expecting an entire wheel assembly.