Kenevo SL wobbly crank arm - repairable or not

[joshtammi]

So I went to go diagnose a pedal being a bit grindy today and realise my actual whole crank is loose on the drive side, such that it wobbles perpendicular to the rotational axis.

I thought maybe the crank came loose but it was tight to 50nm. So I removed it and found the actual bolt with the thread inside the crank is wobbly - is the fix as simple as just tightening that other part of the crank with the cassette tool to hold the bolt in place?

Unfortunately it’s one of the tools I don’t have so I can’t test it, plus it’s a Sunday here and LBS are all closed. I was hoping to go for a ride today

 

[squeegee]

Just out of curiosity, what model year KSL's are having this issue? Looks like a 2022 or 2023 Expert in original post. Earlier was mention of a "batch" of KSL'S the issue affected...would be nice to know the manufacture dates or series of serial numbers potentially affected...imagine yours is out of warranty (like mine) and this happens...then what?

I have no problem accepting and paying for something I've worn out over a long period of time, but a manufacturing error that comes up later out-of-warranty...that is BS. There should be a recall in that case.

 

[joshtammi]

Just out of curiosity, what model year KSL's are having this issue? Looks like a 2022 or 2023 Expert in original post. Earlier was mention of a "batch" of KSL'S the issue affected...would be nice to know the manufacture dates or series of serial numbers potentially affected...imagine yours is out of warranty (like mine) and this happens...then what?

I have no problem accepting and paying for something I've worn out over a long period of time, but a manufacturing error that comes up later out-of-warranty...that is BS. There should be a recall in that case.

I purchased mine mid 2023. 1.1 KSL Expert.

Can’t get the serial number until the bike comes back for a manufacturer date though sorry.

 

[Myalteregohamish]

Just out of curiosity, what model year KSL's are having this issue? Looks like a 2022 or 2023 Expert in original post. Earlier was mention of a "batch" of KSL'S the issue affected...would be nice to know the manufacture dates or series of serial numbers potentially affected...imagine yours is out of warranty (like mine) and this happens...then what?

I have no problem accepting and paying for something I've worn out over a long period of time, but a manufacturing error that comes up later out-of-warranty...that is BS. There should be a recall in that case.

I can only tell you when I purchased mine. Jan 2023.

 

[Darko138]

I have the exact same crank "wobble" issue on my KSL Comp that went through 4 Paris of cranks, a motor replacement and a rear hub in about 320 miles. I am neither a harsh big sender rider nor overly fat for an American (6'-3" and 225lbs. in full kit). Specialized warrantied my frameset and replaced the stock wheels last month. I lucked out and got the S-works frameset and Roval wheels since they didn't have any of the other models in size: S5. So far (60 miles) the carbon cranks have stayed tight. Fingers-crossed they hold.

I would say keep pushing to have the big "S" make it right for you and have your LBS document all warranty claims, how long you have to wait to get parts, etc.

Has anyone tried the FORX's Crank arms?

 

[joshtammi]

Hey

I have the exact same crank "wobble" issue on my KSL Comp that went through 4 Paris of cranks, a motor replacement and a rear hub in about 320 miles. I am neither a harsh big sender rider nor overly fat for an American (6'-3" and 225lbs. in full kit). Specialized warrantied my frameset and replaced the stock wheels last month. I lucked out and got the S-works frameset and Roval wheels since they didn't have any of the other models in size: S5. So far (60 miles) the carbon cranks have stayed tight. Fingers-crossed they hold.

I would say keep pushing to have the big "S" make it right for you and have your LBS document all warranty claims, how long you have to wait to get parts, etc.

Has anyone tried the FORX's Crank arms?

Hey mate,

Specialized replaced the motor and cranks and that solved the issue, but reading on here and other places that it seems to be a possible recurring problem meant I just sold the bike and bought a Trek Rail instead, which has been mostly flawless.

 

[Darko138]

Hey

Hey mate,

Specialized replaced the motor and cranks and that solved the issue, but reading on here and other places that it seems to be a possible recurring problem meant I just sold the bike and bought a Trek Rail instead, which has been mostly flawless.

I ended up selling mine as well soon after it was the frame was replace. I did get a few rides in before and it did feel like the carbon cranks were better than the cheaper alloy version, I just didn't want run the chance of more issues.
On to the next bike.

 

[SonOfBovril]

I’m having this some issue with the carbon cranks, they creak like hell and have movement perpendicular to the direction of rotation. I’ve gone over all of the installation bolts several times and concluded it is actually a manufacturing default in the construction of the crank.

Unfortunately I bought it second hand so I doubt it’s covered under warranty. Do the alu ones have the same issue? Also who else makes cranks that will fit this 1.1 SL motor?