Turbo Vado 5.0 Creaking - Cracked Frame or Loose Bolts?

[GuruUno]

Had my Vado 5.0 since July 2020, the best E-Bike I've ever owned, bar none.
Just approaching 3,100 miles.
However, a few months ago I'd notice from time to time a "creaking" at a specific cadence, flat or pushing up a hill, weight on handlebars or not, and tried several different cures as discussed on these forms with the keyword search "creaking".
I changed my seat and seat post, no change, changed the pedals, no change, verified all stem, handlebar mounts, every part being torqued to specs, still got the creak and getting worse.
Rode it to the LBS today to have them look, we took out the battery and he physically pushed up and down on the frame replicating the creaking.
They took a video and sent it to the factory representative.
I'm going to take the bike on the next rainy day for them to pull the cover and inspect.
Best case scenario....the bolts need to be tightened, done deal. How then to inhibit it from recurring?
Worst case scenario, the frame is cracked new bike.
So that my expectations are not diminished, what are the chances there is a large Turbo Vado 5.0 floating in someone's inventory?
Additionally, if I choose to pull the cover to inspect to look and see, what is the procedure to do so?

 

[Dallant]

If it were me, I’d leave it to your Specialized dealer. I wouldn’t ride it if there was any chance of a frame issue.

Loose Motor on Como 2.0 UPDATE: Cracked Frame (Vados too)

This is a timely post from Uburoibob, and others... it's good (kind of) to know I am not alone. I got my 2019 Turbo Vado 2.0 this spring, and have been enjoying it enormously, hardly using the car since I got it. The only issue I had was with the display, and Specialized swapped out the BLOK...

electricbikereview.com

 

[GuruUno]

So, I took it upon myself to turn the bike upside down and remove the motor cover, easy peasy, no signs of any cracks.
The 3 motor bolts were tight, however, I gave them an additional 1/100th of a snug turn (no torque wrench available) and replaced the cover.
Used blue thread locker on the cover bolts.
No signs whatsoever of any fracture or cracks.
However, it is my belief that the plastic motor cover itself could be the victim, as it is plastic against plastic.
Went a short 2 blocks, no creaking, however, it never appears before a few miles of riding anyway, so I'll report back tomorrow if it is or is not fixed.

 

[GuruUno]

So today I did a 28-mile run, 99% of the creaking has gone away. However there are a few times it makes its presence know, but minimally.
I truly think it may be the way the plastic shrouds engage each other and will consider maybe a dab of grease on those surfaces that are suspect.

 

[GuruUno]

Did a 50-mile ride today, noise is back, albeit not consistent but it is back. Also, a squeaking on each pedal stroke and a new sound like an agitator in a washing machine.
Dropped off at the local bike shop.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

If it were me, I’d leave it to your Specialized dealer. I wouldn’t ride it if there was any chance of a frame issue.

Dallant: Guru, I and others ride Specialized e-bikes. Leave the talk to us.
What about "slight vibration from the Allant+ 7 motor"? I don't take part in threads for Trek e-bikes, for one.

 

[GuruUno]

LBS disassembled, regreased, etc. motor. No signs of any stress or cracks. Picked up the bike, ready for 35-mile ride in the AM, will see.
TSB attached. (My production year is 8/16/2019 yet when I bought it during July of 2020, it was on the sales receipt as 2021??????)

 

[Dallant]

Dallant: Guru, I and others ride Specialized e-bikes. Leave the talk to us.
What about "slight vibration from the Allant+ 7 motor"? I don't take part in threads for Trek e-bikes, for one.

You seem to think you own this forum. Guess you forgot this is a forum and not just your ego talking or the Polish Specialized Marketing Department.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

You seem to think you own this forum. Guess you forgot this is a forum and not just your ego talking or the Polish Specialized Marketing Department.

You don't ride a Specialized e-bike, so your opinions can only be anecdotal. Besides, I know Guru better than you do.
His issue with the Vado is solved, and no, it was not any cracked frame.
Give advices to Allant+ 7 owners.

 

[Dallant]

Again…

 

[Kam1936]

LBS disassembled, regreased, etc. motor. No signs of any stress or cracks. Picked up the bike, ready for 35-mile ride in the AM, will see.
TSB attached. (My production year is 8/16/2019 yet when I bought it during July of 2020, it was on the sales receipt as 2021??????)

Just wondering if this fixed your problem? I.E. is the noise gone or is it still present?My production date says 9/6/2018. European list day/month/year? So it's either September or June 2018. I'm not sure which. I dread taking my bike to the place where I purchased it but I want too make sure everything is tightened to proper specifications.

 

[GuruUno]

The LBS said he removed the motor mounting bolts and greased them. Do I hear any noises? Yes, but not as bad as before, and they are slowly returning. Time will tell. I do have 14 months remaining on the warranty and am at about 3500 miles. We shall see.

 

[Kam1936]

The LBS said he removed the motor mounting bolts and greased them. Do I hear any noises? Yes, but not as bad as before, and they are slowly returning. Time will tell. I do have 14 months remaining on the warranty and am at about 3500 miles. We shall see.

Good to know. I'm almost 3000 miles. I got an email from Specialized Incycle saying that the noise can be coming from a variety of places.
" Creaks are really hard to track down but proper torque should always be the first place to check. I have seen it come from rear QR skewers, pedals, headsets, saddle clamps and even saddle rails themselves."

 

[Stefan Mikes]

European list day/month/year?

Yes.

 

[Sheepz33]

Solved my creaking and popping by slightly tightening two of the motor mounting nuts. Does anyone know the proper torque requirements for the motor mounts? I can’t seem to find it anywhere.

 

[TS25]

... tightening two of the motor mounting nuts. Does anyone know the proper torque requirements for the motor mounts? I can’t seem to find it anywhere.

18 Nm (information from LBS)

 

[BioWheel]

18 Nm (information from LBS)

Would also use anaerobic glue on the screws for the motor mount >> like Loctite