Radmini rear wheel rattle

[MarkElvis]

A friend and I have Radminis. When starting using electric power, or at low speeds, mine is almost silent, while their's makes a rattling, vibrating noise that emanates from the motor. When the back wheel is lifted and throttle applied, the rattling sound is much less than when sitting on the bike and starting. Thus, when the motor is under more load, the vibration (rattling sound) is more noticeable.

Talking to Rad support, they suggesting adjusting the derailleur -- which is very easy, but did not address the problem.

Any suggestions? Has anyone else had a similar problem?

 

[Fat T Rider]

I just bought 2 mini's and one of them does exactly what yours does, have you been able to address the issue?

 

[MarkElvis]

No I have not. If I just owned one, I might think it is normal, but one is much quieter than the other. I tried "pinging" all the spokes and they seemed all the same, but loose spokes is considered a possible cause, however tightening them all to some specification seems a bit daunting. The wheel seems securely attached -- but that is another thing to check. In the end, it might just need a new rear wheel/motor.

 

[Fat T Rider]

I'll call Rad and see what they say, I'm in the same situation as you.

 

[MarkElvis]

I talked to Joe at Rad support concerning the rattle in the rear wheel. He said make sure everything is tight and if it is then email a video with the sound it makes and they will see if it is normal or perhaps a safety consideration.

 

[Fat T Rider]

Thanks Mark, I'll do just that!

 

[Michelle Jacobs]

On the RadMini, when the motor is under power, such as when climbing a hill, I would sometimes get an annoying moaning rattle sound. I took the telescoping rack off the back and the sound went away. Unfortunately, there's a bit of play in the rack that tightening of bolts does not solve. So I've shoved a couple pieces of half inch wide velcro in the tubes to take up the play and the rattle is gone.

 

[MarkElvis]

Michelle, thanks for the idea of checking the rear rack. It's hard to tell exactly where the sound is coming from since it only occurs under load. Simply fixing the rack sounds a lot better than other alternatives.

 

[Fat T Rider]

This rear rack must have something to do with the rattle, I used panniers the other day and the whining rattle wasn't as bad, now I will have to tighten the rack and see if it makes a difference.

 

[Rusty Latch]

Michelle... You're a genious!
I pulled the Rear rack slide out.. The motor full of rice rattle went away... I just got my Mini and only have 27 miles on it.. I thought Oh no.. I got one with the rattley motor.. No more... My fix is to pull the rack slide out about half an inch a wrap 3 turns of electrical tape around the tubes and slide it back together...
Thank you...