A Look Inside a Geared Hub Motor After 5000km. Bad Failure!

I decided to open my 250W geared hub motor after riding it for 5000km. Take a look to see what happened and what the motor looked like inside.
How to not open a 250W hub motor
Open geared hub motor

[@Tore_Lund]

I upvoted this video, because it takes enormous courage to admit you screwed up and make a video about it!

[@AdventureswithB.O.B.]

Mine just crossed 3200 miles and the motor is in great shape. I've pulled it apart every 1000 miles the replace grease.

[@Maynardtkrebs]

Ouch!! I have a planetary failure and your video might have saved me!

[@NackDSP]

You did the right thing opening it early! I did not open my geared hub motor in time for maintenance and it locked up and threw my son off the bike and he crashed, sprained an arm and lost a front tooth. Thank you so much for posting this. I haven't found a shop that will work on my Prodecotech hub motor, and the motor has those same three spots on it. Now I know what to do.

[@MiGujack3]

Mileage? Front or rear?

[@bobikbobikowy5458]

lol i didnt know that it can do that. Those motors should not be sold if that can kill people...

[@steveshea7725]

​@@bobikbobikowy5458 probably a shredded internal nylon gear that jammed up the clutch. Usually you have plenty of warning.

[@tonystone3397]

Good man we all make mistakes you were kind enough to post and maybe save someone else form making the same mistake. God bless you.

[@tomg6284]

Thank you for your information. You may have helped others to avoid that mistake.

[@Re_Kitty]

So after 5000 KM the motor DIDN'T fail, you just broke it when opening it because you forgot to remove the bolts on the other side, forcing the threads to destroy themselves. so basically, these motors are really good and long lasting, just make sure you remove all the bolts before disassembling them!

[@osa8osa]

😢 i need this video, now is to late...

[@iohannjackobs8832]

Thank you for sharing your experience. This will help others not to make your mistake. Thanks!

[@nelsonfigueroa3198]

Not really broken when theres epoxy you can put on the threads to seal it up again forever but it will work fine for the meantime :)

[@DJKennyebikeguy]

You removed the wrong cover

[@jjhack3r]

The title makes it seem like it broke from regular use.

[@myozone]

Easy to fix, drill and tap holes around the edge into the stripped thread and put in 3 or 6 grub screws in

[@e-bikecommuter6336]

myozone Thanks for the idea! I have thought about something similar myself, too. I would like to build some sort of electric drive only recumbent bike for the kids. Maybe a trike. I would use the damaged motor in the rear. That would make a nice project for winter. :)

[@shadowdance4666]

Curiosity killed the hub motor

[@kahizer]

thanks for the video i have an akm 13.0 hub motor that looks the same as yours i tried to build the tool using wood with some screws(since i dont have a shop) but i failed. I wasnt not able to unscrew it.

[@carlospoor4496]

NEVER , NEVER !!! leave the "T" handle in the choke of your Lathe

[@jacobpoucher]

this guys a idiot i hope the key goes flying into his teeth soon enough

[@hindesite]

Seeing that in the background drives me nuts. Bad practice and very dangerous.

[@johnsmith7676]

"Choke"? Are you kidding me? That's "chuck", you insufferable meathead.

[@deathincarnatesplace]

want to get more mileage from the battery but it may burn out quicker so don't try to race it ok. take of the front sprocket and pedals and then put it in place with the sprocket on it and then chain it up to the rear wheel and if you think the hull is strong enough cut the sprocket and arms out and put it directly on bike frame (just use a cheapo) the put a sprocket on it and roll. WARNING it will also increase maximum speed and i am not responsible if you hurt yourself.

[@FantomsNephew]

Glor to the brave! ...and thanks for sharing, now I don't need to do (exactly) the same.

[@steveshea6148]

try using a thread repair file to fix those outer threads in the shell if they still have some vertical profile left to them.

[@RynaxAlien]

Do they create a lot of rolling resistance, made of lightweight alloy? Can it work as generator or even allow regenerative breaking?

[@kaikart123]

No, you want a direct drive hub motor for that

[@abdouallahuniverse5689]

That normal,repairing things need too much passion and online or onsite (books) research, before you preceed. like myself i lerned how to fix cars by damaging the transmission of the first car i was experiencing on, and i also learn how to fix laptops by damaging the first one, but now i am expert on cars and laptops. I will never repeat that mistake again, as i said passion is very important in fixing things, if you rush, defenitely there is a hight probability that something may go wrong, like breaking a bolts or screw, damaging a wire, or tread .....

[@ParaglidingManiac]

A summer full of Norwegian adventures resulted in 500km in my case. If mine lasts 5k kilometers - I'll be absolutely amazed! I hope it will:)

[@javi9663]

Puede alguien explicar cómo se abre este motor? Soy español y no entiendo bien la forma de abrirlo. Gracias. Could anybody tell me how to open this motor? Im not english and I dont catch it

[@deathincarnatesplace]

that metal looks thick enough can i know where to get one.???

[@chittaganguly6479]

Available in kolkata India ?

[@amk1108]

I feel so bad for your lose

[@joeennis2571]

thanks for the heads up

[@lookoutleo]

this looks similar to my motor and the clutch on my planetary gear unit has failed can you tell me the dimensions of yours to see if it would fit. my motor has no name on it

[@e-bikecommuter6336]

Sure, which dimensions are you interested in?

[@lookoutleo]

the diameter of the clutch , the size if the shaft and the diameter of the shafts that hold the planetary gears , thankyou for your help :)

[@stelic9515]

Hii Can you tell me after what distance it fail and did you push it hard??? From your experience what you think is it a direct drive better???

[@lookoutleo]

it doesnt matter if its a geared motor or direct drive, its the clutch or one way bearing that failed. i wasnt hard on it and only ever use the low assist so its just worn out, i see on forums its a part that should be readily available as its a consumable part, mine had 4000 miles on it , apparently thats about right ammount of life, if you drive hard expect a much shorter life. thing is only buy 8-fun motors nothing else has easily available clutches, i still havent found one to fit my unbranded motor

[@lookoutleo]

geared gives you more torq but less top speed thats only difference

[@anunakizz]

cuantos años o kilometros de vida util tienen los motores, los controladores ??

[@e-bikecommuter6336]

No lo sé. He montado mi bicicleta 6200 km con el controlador. Todavía está bien.

[@MyKharli]

I feel your pain

[@7302ab]

hows the motor

[@shpetimmartini1943]

Hi boy, tell me huw what is that electromotor. Thanks

[@manuelluis5456]

...we all learnt with your mistakes .

[@Pushyhog]

maybe try bafang motor

[@jimmarshallman6300]

An expensive experience ...... :(

[@mkltd6922]

ভাই অাপনের কথা বাংলাদেশি বাংলাদেশি মনে হয়।

[@ljprep6250]

Condolences, and thanks for sharing your experience. Are the bearings in those adjusted for play, or do you simply tighten down the lock nuts and they are self-adjusted with a bit of end-play?

[@thestarafresh]

you know that tool is a the same as a grinder

[@1whoFartsinthewind]

So the hubs "failure" was actually yours not the hubs.Nice try though

[@RealRayAl]

Should grease them every 1000 miles i bet they will last much much longer!

[@Eduardo_Espinoza]

What failed?

[@MichaelJHathaway]

You can turn down the threads in your hubs so that they are a slip fit no greater than 0.25mm. Refresh your bearings and re-grease the inside. Use Loctite 638 to combine the two hubs together, clamping in your vise. Cure time at 24 hours will yield 25MPa, 72 hours @ 31MPa.

[@Beartore]

Do what this guy said........he Knows the way of the MegaPascal!!!!!

[@brackcycle9056]

Thanks for being The Explorer & charting the route for others !

[@Gerard_Hugo]

Thanks for this video. I can imagine that it was not easy to discover how this motor was assembled! It is a fine way as long as corrosion does not get grip on the threadings. There are so many ways to keep the motor parts together and this way is not an obvious one. Manufacturer or repair manuals ..... I did not find them. Courageous work and thanks to you taking the risk others can avoid it! As far as I know the axle bearings are more prone to wear (or better said exposure to corrosion, following by accelerated wear). Gerard

[@pwbpeter]

That motor looks well made , "if it ain,t broke don,t fix it" :)

[@Gojira_Wins]

Making a special tool? Nah. Hammer and Flathead screwdriver team right here. Works like a charm, everytime. After about 30 minutes of trying that is lol.

[@A3Kr0n]

Thumbs up for being able to rip it off through the screws.

[@Topsiekku]

Ja saishan tostakin vielä. alumiinihitsillä kiinni vaan ja uudet rattaat sisään ja rasvat. ja kovaa ajoa

[@sdowney717]

If it is just the outermost threads damaged on the hub, just clean them up so it can screw back together.

[@harbor2368]

after 8400 km my motor hub is still ok and on-going up..

[@RicSil69]

Hi. Please can you tell me what gear oil to youse on a Rich bit 350w rear motor

[@Srekwah]

Your screw up, our benefit. Thanks!

[@Topsiekku]

Erikoinen ratkaisu tossa tosiaan ku toinen poski on kierteellä kiinni. Yleensä ne on useammalla pultilla molemmilla puolilla.

[@masukkotak9109]

how maksimum speed this Geared Hub Motor..?

[@Alksbbch]

Depends on wheel and voltage. By deafult about 30 km/h I think must be.

[@ianmangham4570]

Will go 40 mph or more just get HOT faster

[@Todestelzer]

It happens. But you learned from it.

[@garypitt7020]

There's a saying if it working don't fix it.

[@sanzmultimedia]

We use several of those motors mounted on front 20“ wheels of a cargo bikes. The first one has failed after 40.000 kilometres. No gears replaced. Where can you buy spare gears?

[@renarand]

China

[@kennedy6971]

I normally destroy mine after 500km.. 5000 is good👍 on the geared motors there ready for maintenance and gear replacement at/or around 5000km

[@Topsiekku]

Muovirattaat näyttää silti olevan vielä hyvät 5tonnin jälkeen.

[@reidwelch8419]

Thank you for the entirely helpful video. You are an excellent presenter of facts. Well-paced and clear. Perhaps change the title to reflect that the motor did not fail?

[@davejustsayno9153]

why not just jb weld the shell back on ( on the threads) should be good fo another 5 k

[@تدبّر-ع6ظ]

Thanks a lot for the video i have a 36 volt 350 wats brushless motor with 3 power wires red black green and 5 small wires but no controller the motor refuse to start with a 40volts battery is it because theres a built in controller or what? by the way when i turn the wheel there is a spark between red and black wires please help thanks a lot

[@E-BikingAdventures]

I wonder how long these motors last if you don't look inside? I wish Mercedes would make ebike motors.

[@MiGujack3]

I've heard those things last up to 30k KM and someone mentioned 40k in the comments. Also, Mercedes of all things? They would rebrand Bosch's overpriced stuff. Knowing how awful some of Benz cars can be I would never trust them on that. I would trust a proven motorcycle manufacturer.

[@olek735]

Thank you so much for sharing. Sorry it happend. But many thanks for warning! By the way, where are the hall sensors. You could disassemble a bit more to learn on this motor. Wish you all the best, brave man :)

[@cadmanac]

So, I don´t need your selfmade tool? Is the winding clockwise, or center clockwise? How many force to turn it of? and how to hold the other half secure? Please any tipps!

[@thelondonbroiler]

Well, if nothing else, you now have a spare set of gears :)

[@satriorudi1979]

Okay change the gear

[@raubarat7562]

Beliinya di mana

[@VortecEmachine]

I ordered a 250 watt 24 volt motor..Looks same as yours. I hope it last long..what kind do you recommend I get if I Need to replace motor in the future

[@ElRealista7]

I recommend you to buy a 3000w hub motor it's amazing the torch nd speed

[@ianmangham4570]

Bafang

[@lookoutleo]

mines 72 57 11 if i remember rightly , if this is same can anyone tell me where to buy it?

[@maxxkax]

Svenska? :) Thanks for this great video. seems like the coggs will be the last problem you run in to in terms of mantanence. I need to change the cableon a "Ecoride" bike , i think its the same manufacture of the motor ( just another rebrand), any cance you have som footage ot the electorcis side of the motor on the other side ? or know where to get a speare cable?

[@MichaelMolli]

So depressing, your voice

[@jaybefaulky4902]

5:51 ''... if you want to open yours go-ahead'' WTF? a hub opening party.. the only way I am opening mine up, is if it was to old and damaged to be worth fixing.. otherwise I am sending it out to get rebuilt

[@hksunchaser1]

no regrets it's only 40 usd!

[@swiftsix6253]

..from what i know, a good motor utilize sort of steel gears, not Nylon as we saw here...Good video,. thank you.

[@ianmangham4570]

Nylon are GREAT

[@steveshea7725]

Nylon is standard. It's much quieter than metal. It's expected to replace them every 5000-7000 or so miles. The really good ones like on a MAC motor are machined out of solid nylon but most are injection molded i believe.

[@perfidiousalbion9975]

You really blew it this time Hans.

[@dave-in-nj9393]

yikes, you left the chuck key in the chuck !

[@eliaspianomusic]

Why is not been a failure?

[@stelic9515]

Hii Thanks for video Can you tell me how much noise it make??

[@e-bikecommuter6336]

It is a bit difficult to describe noise. If the gears are properly lubed the motor sound is pleasant. When the grease wears off the gears can start rattling and the motor becomes more noisy. Adding a bit of silicone grease helps a lot and makes the motor silent again. Silicone grease will not harm the plastic gears, if I am correctly informed.

[@ianmangham4570]

YOU BROKE IT LMAO

[@bobbrawley9439]

Speak up on your next video

[@wensz1]

there is no clutch

[@FourSeasonsHD]

Professional machine shop could repair your threading for a hundred. A sleeve would be installed and threaded.

[@patbutete1722]

Doesn't make financial sense when you can buy a brand new kit for around £160. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Voilamart-26-Electric-Bicycle-E-Bike-Conversion-Kit-250W-1000W-Front-Rear-Wheel/112497011093?hash=item1a31582995:m:moOJLZJhAKYesQXQ8j7qQow:rk:2:pf:0

[@alpergokcek6756]

Plastic gears are not high quality as metal..

[@MichaelJHathaway]

plastic is self lubricating and can last up to twenty times longer than metallic gearing.

[@igspowerd2514]

lol so why do the best gear systems all run brass or steel gears i think ur very very wrong there gearboxes that are over 100 years old never been rebuilt with steel gears very very very common in big drill press etc also nylon tends to melt with heat

[@Coiltec]

The main problem with plastic gears is that they can't take high torque, and especially not a combination of high speed and high torque. For low load applications, they are pretty good. The plastic damps vibrations and torque spikes, so they run more quiet than metal gears. But honestly, I wouldn't overload a geared hub motor, as I'm afraid that the gears could break or even melt.

[@patientestant]

Alper Gökcek, Alper Gökcek, plastic and metal gears can vary quality tremendously. So really crappy metal gears can easily be worse than plastic gears. Teflon is a very nice material too. There are many factors that effect material choice, like temperature, load, and desired weight. For this application, configuration, and considering he's has gone 5,000 kilometers, it is definitely good.

[@kght222]

wear and tear destroys any motor, the intention of the motor dictates the motor's materials. you could use steel if you wanted to on everything and it would be heavy as hell, or you could use titanium, and it would be insanely expensive. its a give and take, eventually we might have universal hub motor shells and they will be parts like any other bicycle part. standardized. then will you stick your nose up at the guy who saved a few bucks to get into it and used carbon or glass reinforced gears instead of titanium or pure carbon?

[@dannhu2391]

Yang pilih allah like.