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Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2013+ => Topic started by: Yon on June 12, 2014, 12:01:40 AM

Title: My 2014 Zero DS has a clapping sound from rear wheel
Post by: Yon on June 12, 2014, 12:01:40 AM
I've a 2014 Zero DS 11.4, a truly awesome bike that's left many awestruck.  Its recently developed a smacking or clapping sound from the rear wheel.  Faster I ride, and I'm talking 10-20mph, the more pronounced the sound.  Son seems to think its the bearings. I was thinking the rear brake, so disconnected the assembly and zip tied it off but the sound was still there. Dealer, almost 300 miles from here, said if it's the bearing that I must have damaged them.  I can't figure how.  Looking for some wisdom. 
Title: Re: My 2014 Zero DS has a clapping sound from rear wheel
Post by: trikester on June 12, 2014, 01:11:11 AM
My first Zero bike was the 2010 DS. It turned out to have a bad rear bearing from the "git-go". The wheel would not spin freely when off the surface and I thought the brake was dragging for a while. Zero replaced it at no cost.

Trikester
Title: Re: My 2014 Zero DS has a clapping sound from rear wheel
Post by: krash7172 on June 12, 2014, 03:18:20 AM
Take the baseball cards out of the spokes.

Sorry, I couldn't help it.  :)
Title: Re: My 2014 Zero DS has a clapping sound from rear wheel
Post by: Yon on June 12, 2014, 03:39:13 AM
I thought bad bearings would be more of a grating sound.
Title: Re: My 2014 Zero DS has a clapping sound from rear wheel
Post by: peter on June 12, 2014, 03:46:11 AM
Yon, bad bearings are easy to check once you've got the wheel off. If it's bearings, could you just send the wheel to your dealer (ups or fedex or whatever) and get them to replace the bearings? Should be covered by warranty, surely?

My experience is that Zero have some quality control (or assurance?) issues with their suppliers resulting in dud parts - in my case, horn and throttle assembly. Hopefully, it's simple as new bearings.

hth
Peter
Title: Re: My 2014 Zero DS has a clapping sound from rear wheel
Post by: vfkf on June 12, 2014, 07:23:28 AM
Did you checked that you have not trapped something in the belt?
Title: Re: My 2014 Zero DS has a clapping sound from rear wheel
Post by: zap mc on June 19, 2014, 11:31:30 PM
jack the wheel up in the air and try and move it to see if there is any slack in the swing arm or bearings and spin it to listen to the bearing and then try the brakes to see if the caliper is snatching or moving