Noises: clacking, cracking, creaking, clicking, rattling, squeaking, rattling...

There can be many reasons for noises other than those caused by normal driving. They all have one thing in common - they are annoying!

One noise you won't find on electric bikes if everything is working properly is the noise of the motor. Unlike mid-drive motors, hub motors operate almost silently or at least so quietly that you hardly notice them when riding, if at all.

Unusual noises such as clicking, squeaking, creaking, clicking, grinding, buzzing etc. are very audible. It is not always easy to get to the bottom of the matter. Noises are usually difficult to locate when driving and do not always occur when the vehicle is stationary. Here is a list of possible noise sources.

Noise sources

• Pedals
• Bottom bracket
• Crankset
• Front wheel bearing
• Rear wheel bearing

• Rims (shock)
• Spokes (tension)
• Tires

• Handlebars
• Headset (steering head bearing)
• Stanchions and immersion tubes (suspension fork)

• Rear derailleur
• Cassette
• Chain

• Seat post or seat clamp
• Cables / brake lines inside or outside the frame
• Tools in the saddlebag or toolbox
• Brake pads

Analysis

Three questions:

1. When Do you hear the noise - when pedaling, when putting weight on the saddle or handlebars?
2. How often Do you hear the sound - rhythmically or at irregular intervals?
3. Where Can you hear the noise - can you locate the source of the noise while driving?

General control

If you cannot clearly identify the source of the noise, check the following:

• All screw connections on the bike are tight
• Do the wheels or the crank axle have play?
• Can I move the handlebars in the direction of travel with the brakes applied?
• Are elements with torque specifications (thru axles, bottom bracket, steering head, cassette...) correctly fitted and tightened to the correct torque?
• Is the chain lubricated and running smoothly, and are the belt and pulleys clean?
• Are there any loose spokes?
• Are the brake pads worn?
• Does the brake piston reset function?

Noise sources on my ST3

My own experiences with noise sources on the Stromer are:

1. Clattering in rear wheel 1
   Caused by the rim impact.
   Solution: Re-grained rim joint and additionally secured with Loctite 290
2. Clattering in rear wheel 2
   Caused by the tire bead sticking to the rim bead
   Lösung: Felgenwulst vor der Montage mit Talkpulver oder einem Teflonspray behandeln
3. Clattering of the front wheel
   Caused by the cross points of the spokes
   Solution: 'Lubricate' cross points with a drop of oil
4. Creaking in the bottom bracket area
   Caused by the shaft pulley running between the crank and bearing
   Solution: Drizzle a drop of chain oil between the shaft pulley and the bearing
5. Creaking 1
   Caused by a 'dry' seat tube
   Solution: Remove the seat tube and lubricate with a film of bearing grease. Tighten the seat clamp with the correct torque
6. Creaking 2
   Caused by slightly loosened clamping screws in the stem
   Solution: Tighten the fork clamping screws to the correct torque and in the correct sequence
7. Squeak 3
   Rear brakes
   Solution: Fit organic brake pads and install resonance damper disk

Other sources of noise:

• Belt touches the frame due to an incorrectly fitted tensioning pulley
• Running noises from the motor due to defective bearings or loose rotor magnets
• Running noises in the bottom bracket due to defective bearings
• Running noises from the front wheel due to defective bearings
• Clacking from the cassette due to a worn retaining ring
• Clattering when starting off due to worn rear wheel axle mount in the left dropout (see image ST1 X below)
• etc.

A few examples