Clattering from the rear wheel

Problem

After around 3,000 km, the ST3 accompanied me with a clicking noise every time I turned the wheel. The noise only occurred from a speed of approx. 10 km/h and could not be reproduced when stationary or in the bike stand.

There can be many uninvited sources of noise on the bike:

• Seat tube clamp and saddle
• mudguards
• Rear derailleur, derailleur hanger
• Loose spokes (nipples)
• Cross points of the spokes
• Brakes
• Bottom bracket
• Rims
• Rim tape
• Screw connections etc.

It is sometimes difficult to locate. If the wheel makes a clicking noise when riding, it is worth checking the spokes and the rim joint. The rim joint is held together for the welding process by means of a small metal plate caulked with 2 or 4 rivet points.

The noise can possibly be reproduced when stationary by pressing on the rim bead (on impact) or by slightly bouncing the wheel - see Video.

Solution: 

The tire must be dismantled and the riveting re-punched with a center punch or even supplemented with additional rivets.

The rear wheel of my Stromer was replaced straight away because the caulking didn't help. Unfortunately, the clicking noise was back after 50 km. 

The following procedure provided the final remedy:

• Dismounting tires
• New rim tape (Schwalbe 34-584) (the Alexrims original tape was partially folded over)
• The rim joint with Loctite 290 stabilize the wheel. To do this, place the wheel upside down on a support and fill the Loctite into the nearest spoke holes and allow to dry
• Treat the sides of the tire and the rim flange with a little Teflon spray to prevent sticking
• Refitting tires