What is a "normal" amount of EP6 rattle?

[Pisgah2000]

I've read and researched, and it seems that some amount of motor/gear rattle is normal when not pedaling. That said, this is my first mid-drive e-bike (2023 Rise H20), and I'm not sure what is expected. So, is what you can hear in the video below typical? I just purchased this new, and have ridden about 50 miles. It also clunks a bit when engaging assistance after coasting.


Thanks.

 

[timo2824]

That's the one way clutch engagement and is normal. Just like the engagement paws on a rear hub, it's going to make some noise.

 

[steve_sordy]

Thats a bit of an artificial test. Afterall, when do you do that on the trail? I'm certain that I could make that noise with the rear hub on my muscle bike.

I have an EP8 and although I have never tried your test, it is mostly quiet and without any troublesome noises. Yes, if I coast across rough ground, it can make a subdued rattle. I was looking out for it when I first got the bike (due to all the press coverage), but once I'd heard it, I decided that it wasn't a problem and ignored it. It may have got quieter over time, but I genuinely don't hear it any more. If I concentrate and focus on it, then I can hear it. But as I said I just ignore it.

I accept that I may just have a relatively quiet motor; from time to time, I get comments about how quiet my motor is.

 

[Pisgah2000]

Thanks for the replies. Good to know that's "normal", I suppose. As far as it being an artificial test, not really. It sounds exactly like that on rough trail. It's quite loud (and a different sort of sound than an i9 freehub or something). Marbles in a can was my first thought. Seems that there's quite a bit of variability with this noise... either that or it's down to hearing sensitivity.

 

[timo2824]

Thanks for the replies. Good to know that's "normal", I suppose. As far as it being an artificial test, not really. It sounds exactly like that on rough trail. It's quite loud (and a different sort of sound than an i9 freehub or something). Marbles in a can was my first thought. Seems that there's quite a bit of variability with this noise... either that or it's down to hearing sensitivity.

Different bike frames and suspension setups affect the pedal kickback, which is what causes the noise on a trail.

 

[HandsomeDanNZ]

I have an EP6 which is a few months old now.
It makes varying amounts of noise - sometimes almost none and sometimes a good clunk - depends on the terrain, what I am doing to it (i.e. jumping, barrelling down a rutted forest trail or just heading down a flow trail) and whether I am wearing my full face or open face helmet.

 

[steve_sordy]

I have an EP6 which is a few months old now.
It makes varying amounts of noise - sometimes almost none and sometimes a good clunk ...................
and whether I am wearing my full face or open face helmet.

Good point!

 

[TheKaiser]

Different bike frames and suspension setups affect the pedal kickback, which is what causes the noise on a trail.

I agree that pedal kick events do cause that noise, but I think it can also just simply be caused by the chain flailing around and tensioning/dimensioning in response to bump forces, compressions, etc...so even on low chain growth (low Pedal Kick) bikes, or on bumps that don't actually get into the pedal kick range of movement, you can still get this rattle.

 

[franciscoasismm]

Noises to take into consideration: 1) fully loaded and on a slope it sounded like a goose when you bother it when you approach, but what I noticed is that it got hot in the area of the Shimano logo that is near the left crank. 2) Other times a strange noise can come from the 6 screws that support the motor that disappears by removing, cleaning and replacing, 3) other times it is a grinding noise that indicates that some of the large bearings are breaking. 4) Once a small stone got between the Shimano Circlip and the spider and it sounded sharply like chalk on a blackboard. In short, there are many gears and bearings, the noises are very varied. But my main routine when I return is to touch the motor in the area of the shimano logo with my fingers and notice if its temperature is normal or if it has a "fever".