Giant SyncDrive Pro motor - crank axle play.

UnreasonableMuppet

Well-known member
Jan 11, 2022
122
630
THE YOO ESS OF AYE
I've been hearing creaking noises while pedaling hard. After checking my motor mount bolts and finding them well tight, I noticed some up and down play in the drive side crank.

I pulled the motor to investigate further.
20230212_111811.jpg

The point of the screwdriver indicates where I am feeling play. It isn't a lot of play, and there's no spec that I can find for allowable play. The play is happening between the clutch hub and pedal axle. There's no play that I can detect in the larger clutch hub bearing.
I know that side to side play is expected (up to 1mm), but I have no info about up and down play. I don't find any play in any of the other bearings, and everything rotates smoothly.
upload_2023-2-12_13-38-44.png


The clutch hub is circled on this parts diagram. The only replaceable part shown on the parts diagram for the clutch hub is an oil seal and o-ring. The oil seal is not sold separate from the clutch hub. I do find the clutch hub listed as available from several US yamaha parts suppliers.
upload_2023-2-12_13-27-43.png


Here's the clutch hub in a tear down video:
upload_2023-2-12_13-47-57.png


Does anyone know if there is a bearing that can be replaced in the clutch hub? How much play is acceptable?
 

Bearing Man

Ebike Motor Centre
Patreon
Sep 29, 2018
976
2,332
UK
@Bearing Man
Any advice on what's available?
This is a common issue with the Yamaha PW-X and X2 motors, also re-badged as the Giant SyncDrive Pro. The play is caused by slight wear in the bronze bush bearings fitted inside the clutch boss. These would be replicable if we could find them. Unfortunately, getting them manufactured is still on the to-do list.
We do sell the clutch boss, which is currently the only solution. The play on this part should be minimal as any meaningful play will lift the seal lip from the drive shaft and let water or contamination into the motor itself.
There is no official figure for this play, but the easiest way to see it is to fit the spider and chainring onto the motor and holding the chainring move it back and forth laterally, play should be virtually non existent.
 

Bearing Man

Ebike Motor Centre
Patreon
Sep 29, 2018
976
2,332
UK
Thank you.

Do you carry the clutch boss for the PW-X2? I don't find it on your site. Yamaha part number X0P-16570-10-00
Populating our Yamaha page is on my very long to-do list. We do carry or can get most parts for Yamaha motors, please feel free to drop me an email through my site or PM me for price and availability.
 

UnreasonableMuppet

Well-known member
Jan 11, 2022
122
630
THE YOO ESS OF AYE
My attempt at obtaining the clutch boss is going slowly. I ordered one from a Yamaha parts supplier and the part is not expected until late March.

Play is minimal so I reinstalled the motor. I'll monitor the play and see if it starts getting worse.

I'm definitely not cracking the motor open without parts on hand.
 

Bearing Man

Ebike Motor Centre
Patreon
Sep 29, 2018
976
2,332
UK
My attempt at obtaining the clutch boss is going slowly. I ordered one from a Yamaha parts supplier and the part is not expected until late March.

Play is minimal so I reinstalled the motor. I'll monitor the play and see if it starts getting worse.

I'm definitely not cracking the motor open without parts on hand.
Did our partner in America not have one in stock? We are sending his order over next week if you still want this part?
 

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