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Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2012 and older => Topic started by: mx-man on January 19, 2013, 06:03:55 PM

Title: How often does ball bearings fail
Post by: mx-man on January 19, 2013, 06:03:55 PM

Uh I think that my bearings are failing on the electric motor. theirs a typical sound of the motor like in this movie. I heard from the first owner that he cleaned the bike with a steam cleaner so I think that's where the damage is from.... does any one else had this particular problem?

here's the link mine is'end that bad but it's getting worse...

Zero Agni motor (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRT0NW3tLxw#)

Title: Re: How often does ball bearings fail
Post by: Richard230 on January 19, 2013, 09:37:06 PM

I am not familiar with the noise high speed bearing make when they are going bad, just low speed bearings like wheel bearings, which tend to make a vibrating or "rumbling" noise.  But I wouldn't be surprised if that was what was making your sound.  Time to check with your dealer or Zero.

As an aside: I have been reading on a BMW forum that BMW is starting to use sealed ball bearings in certain areas inside of their IC motors, instead of open bearings being fed by the bike's lubrication system.  Apparently they seem to feel that sealed ball bearings will last longer than bearings lubricated by a low-pressure splash system.

Title: Re: How often does ball bearings fail
Post by: manlytom on February 01, 2013, 07:16:32 AM

Hi, how are you going with analysis of this problem ? I believe the rotor is blocked or brush holder loose and moved a bit. For the fault shown in video we replaced hte Agni motor. Yet as my new thread shows I am back to square one. Guess we need the new motors ....

Title: Re: How often does ball bearings fail
Post by: mx-man on February 07, 2013, 10:49:01 PM

Well after a few more looks it seems to be the chain  :-[ so I lubed it en it was fine again I thought but the noise return t today and I noticed that their was again a lot a slag in the chain so I think it time to readjust the chain again that's the second time in 500 miles witch I thought that's it's quite a lot...  :-\

Title: Re: How often does ball bearings fail
Post by: Richard230 on February 08, 2013, 12:37:52 AM

My recommendation would be to replace your stock "heavy duty" chain with any name-brand O-ring chain.  It will be heavier and will be a little less efficient at transmitting power, but it will last 10 times as long, require much less maintenance and hardly ever stretch until near the end of its life.