2023 EP8 rattle

[QuackFU]

Considering a new E-MTB (2023) that would presumably have the newer EP8 motor and wondering if any actual users have noticed a change in the infamous rattle?

One of my biggest fears of owning anything with the EP8 is the rattle that you read about in ever review. Motor has great specs, is in a ton of bikes and due to numbers should have a good service network. Just know that a constant rattle downhill would bug the F out of me.

Cheers.

 

[Rob Rides EMTB]

It still rattles unfortunately (on the model I tested - Marin Rift Zone). It started fairly quiet, but after 100km or so the rattle noise got a bit louder.

I think all EP8 / EP801 motors will rattle.

 

[QuackFU]

It still rattles unfortunately (on the model I tested - Marin Rift Zone). It started fairly quiet, but after 100km or so the rattle noise got a bit louder.

I think all EP8 / EP801 motors will rattle.

Well that is too bad to hear. Haven't really went down the mechanical rabbit hole, but it sounds like its an inherent design in the Shimano motors themselves.

Since you have a lot of experience on different bikes from testing is it a noise that is really bothersome, or do you just get used to it?

Love your content by the way! Think you do a fantastic job of staying non-biased in your reviews, but also make it look very professional and enjoyable to watch.

 

[Kevjob51]

Man what a bummer to pay all that money and have the rattle. I shyed away from shimano motors due to the rattle. I was hoping they would fix it completely with newer motor so I could consider shimano in future.

 

[volts]

Man what a bummer to pay all that money and have the rattle. I shyed away from shimano motors due to the rattle. I was hoping they would fix it completely with newer motor so I could consider shimano in future.

I'd never choose Shimano unless you are sure you won't keep the bike for longer than warranty period. They are use and throw away motors, and if you are unlucky you can end up with a useless frame after just 2 years since they can't be repaired / service.
The entire strategy is to be as unsustainable as humanly possible in the name of profit because it means they can lower cost and therefore are able to give best OEM offers.
Never again Shimano.

 

[Plummet]

First world problem aye... slight rattle and everyone is a princess.

 

[vadII]

I recently got my bike with EP801. After 100 km it still has no rattle. But when it heats up, it starts to squeak/whistle at every crank revolution even without load (with rear wheel raised). If you let it cool for 10-15 minutes, the squeak goes away until it heats up again. What a masterpiece...

 

[Spiff]

The squeak/whistle noise means that when motor is hot some parts are not performing within specs and it will fail sooner or later, but probably sooner.

 

[vadII]

The squeak/whistle noise means that when motor is hot some parts are not performing within specs and it will fail sooner or later, but probably sooner.

It's brand new, on 100% stock/factory settings. Just a simple 10 min climb on a fire road in Trail mode.

 

[Jagger]

The squeak/whistle noise means that when motor is hot some parts are not performing within specs and it will fail sooner or later, but probably sooner.

What parts?

 

[Spiff]

What parts?

Any internal electro mechanical part: sprag clutches, bearings, preload washers, seals, gears, motor...

 

[Pickle1970]

Have you actually ridden one to see what it's like yourself?

I don't really feel or hear the rattle on my Marin Alpine trail.

It's there but I'm enjoying myself far too much to worry about it

 

[Gavalar]

Considering a new E-MTB (2023) that would presumably have the newer EP8 motor and wondering if any actual users have noticed a change in the infamous rattle?

One of my biggest fears of owning anything with the EP8 is the rattle that you read about in ever review. Motor has great specs, is in a ton of bikes and due to numbers should have a good service network. Just know that a constant rattle downhill would bug the F out of me.

Cheers.

I own a Yeti 160e, slight rattle, my riding buddy has a canyon with the 801 with XT Di2 running auto shift and free shift, which what the motor was developed for, it has a very light rattle but to be honest you really do tune out to the rattle as you're concentration is on the trail ahead.

 

[Spiff]

Have you actually ridden one to see what it's like yourself?

I don't really feel or hear the rattle on my Marin Alpine trail.

It's there but I'm enjoying myself far too much to worry about it

No, but I am trusting the words from vadll and giving a possible explanation.

 

[Pickle1970]

In all honesty I think all motors have a slight rattle but that wouldn't be the thing that put me off a Shimano motor.

Not being able to fix the damn thing locally is.

My next bike will definitely not be powered by Shimano

 

[vadII]

No, but I am trusting the words from vadll and giving a possible explanation.

Hm. You said that brand new motor on my bike will die soon

Personally, the rattle on my prev carbon frame bike with EP8 was horrible. It's like a metal bucket with bolts.

Anyway, the squeak/whistle sound from the brand new motor when it slightly hot - is the real problem. I have no idea is I don't know if this is just my case, but it's not fun at all...

 

[Downhillr]

It's brand new, on 100% stock/factory settings. Just a simple 10 min climb on a fire road in Trail mode.

I’d get it checked out, my 2022 Bullit with EP8 has certainly seen its share of much longer climbs in our mountains (SF Bay area & Tahoe) without any whistle/squeaking.

 

[vadII]

I’d get it checked out, my 2022 Bullit with EP8 has certainly seen its share of much longer climbs in our mountains (SF Bay area & Tahoe) without any whistle/squeaking.

I had no issues with EP8 on my prev bike, except the rattle. Also I can't check the bike from direct-sell manufacturer... They are too far away from me

 

[JayGoodrich]

Considering a new E-MTB (2023) that would presumably have the newer EP8 motor and wondering if any actual users have noticed a change in the infamous rattle?

One of my biggest fears of owning anything with the EP8 is the rattle that you read about in ever review. Motor has great specs, is in a ton of bikes and due to numbers should have a good service network. Just know that a constant rattle downhill would bug the F out of me.

Cheers.

I have a 2022 Orbed Rise LTD and it drives me nuts with the rattle. This is the second gen Shimano motor. I believe the 23 Rise now runs the third generation.

 

[Spiff]

Hm. You said that brand new motor on my bike will die soon

Personally, the rattle on my prev carbon frame bike with EP8 was horrible. It's like a metal bucket with bolts.

Anyway, the squeak/whistle sound from the brand new motor when it slightly hot - is the real problem. I have no idea is I don't know if this is just my case, but it's not fun at all...

The rattle is a standard feature in EP8, but your motor is newest EP801 and you report a new noise: "squeak/whistle at every crank revolution even without load", hopefully it will be only a new feature in Shimano EP801, but this type of noise also may indicate a more serious issue.

As an example of an issue that happened to E8000 motor, there was a motor version had internal sprockets and sprag clutches redesigned, and as a result, internal sprockets were too close and grinded against each other, making noise, raising motor temperature, the high temperature degraded the grease and finally motor died. The issue is explained here:

STEPS E8000 Motor Service

Shell Gadus S2 V100 2 is not designed to assist clutch bearing grip. The fact that we use it for that purpose does not mean it was designed for that purpose. Shell Gadus S2 V100 2 is designed as a "High performance multipurpose grease". And its application is primarily for bearings (roller...

www.emtbforums.com

vadll, I hope that your noise is a NOT deadly issue, and only a new Shimano feature

 

[vadII]

vadll, I hope that your noise is a deadly issue, and only a new Shimano feature

What???

 

[Gavalar]

I really don't understand the hate towards Shimano, 7 months ago I sold an Sworks Levo, the motor had been replaced 3 times under warranty over a period of 9 months, 2 years on Shimano EP8 and not even an error code, it works for me.

 

[vadII]

I really don't understand the hate towards Shimano, 7 months ago I sold an Sworks Levo, the motor had been replaced 3 times under warranty over a period of 9 months, 2 years on Shimano EP8 and not even an error code, it works for me.

I have Levo gen3, 1500km in mountains, no issues. Brand new EP801 started squeak/whistle right out off the box

 

[Spiff]

What???

vadll, I hope that your noise is a NOT deadly issue, and only a new Shimano feature

I am sorry, the NOT was missing, my mistake

 

[Gavalar]

I have Levo gen3, 1500km in mountains, no issues. Brand new EP801 started squeak/whistle right out off the box

So two bad experiences with two different motors, all it proves is that issues are not unique to one brand, it shows that due to the popularity of certain motors with industry names you're going to get issues, Tesla worldwide is the most recalled motor brand and yet they stand head and shoulders above everyone for electric car sales, shit goes wrong, live with it is all I'm saying or go back to analogue.

 

[steve_sordy]

My EP8 was a massive improvement over the e8000 and I was extremely pleased with it. I heard the rattle (I think) at first. But after the first few weeks I haven't heard it since. The rattle when traversing rough terrain without pedalling would not put me off because it is the design feature that leads to the rattle that that gives the motor its reduced rolling resistance and greater efficiency.

Despite all that good stuff and never actually having a problem with either of my Shimano motors, I will do my best to avoid buying a Shimano powered bike next time. Why? Because I disagree with their policy of a motor that is not designed to be repairable. My EP8 is now out of warranty and still going strong. If it was to fail, I'd buy another EP8 because that would be the best option. Unlike @volts, I do not consider the frame to be useless just because the motor has failed.

 

[Singletrackmind]

Considering a new E-MTB (2023) that would presumably have the newer EP8 motor and wondering if any actual users have noticed a change in the infamous rattle?

One of my biggest fears of owning anything with the EP8 is the rattle that you read about in ever review. Motor has great specs, is in a ton of bikes and due to numbers should have a good service network. Just know that a constant rattle downhill would bug the F out of me.

Cheers.

Have 2 bikes with EP8 motor (one with 1st Gen & 1 with 2nd Gen) and they both rattle about the same. I've gotten used to it and it doesn't take away from the performance or enjoyment at all. As far as reliability, with a combined 4 years of riding on both motors, have had absolutely no issues at all. Realize others have not been do fortunate and think every brand of motors runs some issue of having quality issues. Have owned 2 Specialized emtbs with Brose motors different gens and 1st Gen has been a nightmare, no issues with last Gen. Currently have an Orbea Wild with Bosch CX and really enjoying it so far.

 

[QuackFU]

In all honesty I think all motors have a slight rattle but that wouldn't be the thing that put me off a Shimano motor.

Not being able to fix the damn thing locally is.

My next bike will definitely not be powered by Shimano

Well my current Trek with TQ doesn't rattle and my friend Brose that I've ridden doesn't either.

 

[Pickle1970]

Awesome

 

[webman]

First world problem aye... slight rattle and everyone is a princess.

So true! When my EP8 rattles, if it even does, I’m going downhill, at speed, the chain rattles, everything is shaking and I’m focusing on other stuff. Who cares about some rattle…