Bosch crank 'clicking'

[mab13]

I'm aware this is a 'feature' of the Bosch performance line and does no damage, but it is a little annoying - started on my last ride.

Can someone please advise which tools I'd need to sort it out. I'm assuming:

- crank removal tool
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/x-tools-crank-extractor/rp-prod10181

- Bosch spider tool
https://www.e-bikeshop.co.uk/eBike-Spare-Parts/bosch-spider-lock-ring-tool-active-performance
(do I really need this? £30 is quite expensive to fix a clicking noise)

- anything else?

After that, I assume it's a simple job of removing the case housing. However, specifically what should I be greasing once in there to stop the clicking?

 

[Fordulike]

If you bought your bike from e-bikeshop, then this link may help:

https://www.e-bikeshop.co.uk/bosch-ebike-popping-noise-fix

 

[soundwave]

what motor is it gen 1 or 2? and yes will need a tool to take it of as made of plastic on mine anyway, 20 quid for the spanner.

 

[soundwave]

i also did not need a crank puller on my bike as it just comes of with a Alan key

http://speedup.altervista.org/tool-for-spider-nut.html

 

[EddiePJ]

Mab, I've not heard of the "Bosch Popping" issue affecting the Performance line motor, but if you actually meant Classic line, then you can now request a new replacement motor.

If you did mean Classic line, and you do still want to do the job, it only takes about ten minutes, from start to finish. Had you lived close to me, I'd have offered to do it for you. There is enough grease within the case to complete the job, and it's pretty obvious what needs doing when you split the cases. There must be Youtube clips to explain things as well.

If you do have a Performance line motor, then you might need to investigate things further, by checking that the crank arms aren't slightly loose, the same for the motor mounts, and also check the chain for tight spots, plus check the pedals and front drive sprocket for wear. I'm not saying that any of this list would create the noise, but you need to eliminate this, then you will have to take the bike to the supplying dealer, as the Performance Line doesn't suffer with the problem, so there may be some other issue.
As daft as it sounds, sometimes even a creaking headset noise can be transferred

 

[mab13]

Thanks all.

My bike is a gen 2 Performance Line; I thought this issue affected all Bosch motors but I see now that it was just the Classic Line gen 1.

In which case, I'll first follow Eddie's logic and see if it's something else. I have other pedals so will replace the current pedals and tighten up the cranks while I'm at it (soundwave - thanks, looks like it is just an allen key on mine too).

I believe the clicking noise is related to the crank in some way given its frequency aligned with crank rotation.

 

[soundwave]

also try it with the plastic casing off it as mine clicks creeks when it gets warm

 

[Martin@e-bikeshop]

It's only limited motors of the Classic+ line that made the noise. The later Active, Performance & CX drive do not have the floating washer inside.

 

[mab13]

I'm embarrassed to say that... I think my pedals needed greasing.

Couldn't remove the crank (mine definitely needs a puller) so I tightened everything up (nothing moved to be honest) and gave a different set of pedals a whirl. There was no clicking noise with the other pedals so I removed them to re-install the originals and spotted that the threads of the originals were dry.

A greased up 1 mile test run was quiet as a mouse so hopefully that was the culprit. I'll know next weekend for sure.

Note to self - check the simple bits first!

 

[Will Tinker]

I'm getting similar 'creaking' (well, probably more a cluster of clicks) when pedalling on my Bosch Active Line.

It's always had a little bit of a creak while standing up and pedalling, but now happens irrespective of how I pedal.

Motor seems fine - it's otherwise perfectly smooth. I think it's probably to do with the way the motor is affixed to the frame. Maybe needs to be removed and reseated?

I'm kind of scared to tighten everything myself, as obviously there's recommended levels and I don't have the equipment to ascertain what is too tight or too loose.