2w ago

Not bike, but maybe you guys can still provide input (re: e-scooter wheel bearings)

So, my Ninebot Max e-scooter has a "loud" front wheel, and when I spin it, the bearing sounds "dry".

I have replacement bearings, but then I noticed this:

When I spin the wheel by hand, it will keep spinning SUPER SMOOTHLY and... no joke... can keep spinning for over 10 minutes! To me, that sounds amazing, and now I'd rather not change the bearings.

Does this make sense? I would imagine the same can happen on a bike wheel.

Should I just leave it? LOL

7 comments

Bearings are smoothest when they are worn out. So if you have replacement I would just change it.
- They're also not under load when you're spinning by hand so it's not really the same test
If it were me, I'd still change it. That sounds like something is wearing out, not something you want to surprise you when you are traveling downhill at speed.
I have no experience with these, but I recently started as a mechanic in a bike shop, and they told me those can be an absolute bear to work on. Hours just to get a wheel off, for example.
So, if you run into trouble, you might look at just trying to lube the bearings already in place.
- No joke, some e-scooter wheels are the devil to work with if you have to change a tire. Without special equipment, it's like a multi-person job!
  Some models use split-rim wheels, which are supposed to be far better to work with.
  But fortunately, the front bearing on this model is super easy to replace. I might just go for the bearing swap and then clean the drum brake while I'm at it.
  She deserves to be cared for after this many years.
  
  No joke, some e-scooter wheels are the devil to work with if you have to change a tire. Without special equipment, it's like a multi-person job!
  Yeah, that's what they were saying - hours and hours just to get the tire off.

7 comments