Flywheel Noise

Maintenance, accessories, operation. Anything to do with making your erg work.
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ltdpilot
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Flywheel Noise

Post by ltdpilot » August 20th, 2022, 11:27 am

Nothing major, the Model C seems to row fine (maybe not as smooth as newer ones) but the fly wheel makes a mild dragging noise while it is spinning down. I assume something in a bearing? Suggestions on cleaning/greasing?

Tsnor
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Re: Flywheel Noise

Post by Tsnor » August 20th, 2022, 2:47 pm

ltdpilot wrote:
August 20th, 2022, 11:27 am
Nothing major, the Model C seems to row fine (maybe not as smooth as newer ones) but the fly wheel makes a mild dragging noise while it is spinning down. I assume something in a bearing? Suggestions on cleaning/greasing?
Sometimes the flywheel ingests something that gets caught in the flywheel housing cage. As the flywheel slows down it can flutter or rattle. See if that is it, it's easy to open the cage up - just look at any cleaning video on how to get the dust out.

If you want to lube the bearing, this video shows how: https://youtu.be/cUj80NH9Dgc?t=821 But if its making noise it might be late to save the bearing.

If the noise is from a failed bearing, look for threads on how to replace the bearing (hard, need to press out, need to keep flywheel balanced, but even with an upgraded bearing very cheap) or (much easier but more cost) C2 sells the flywheel balanced with a new bearing. If I ever need a new bearing I'm getting the flywheel.

Good Luck,

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GreenStratMan
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Re: Flywheel Noise

Post by GreenStratMan » August 21st, 2022, 10:30 am

I’d take the flywheel off to lube the bearing personally. That’s how I do it. You don’t want oil everywhere. I put a couple of drops of 3 in 1 on the rollers, move them around with my fingers, wipe the bearing with a rag, the I put a thin coat of 3 in 1 on the axle where the bearing surface is. Just avoids a mess. Some may disagree, but hey, who cares.

I get a very faint dragging sound on my model C I thought it was normal. Similar to the sound you get when you spin a bike wheel in your hands while holding the axle ends.

Hope that helps.
Kevin, born ‘69. 6’5” 100kg

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ltdpilot
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Re: Flywheel Noise

Post by ltdpilot » August 22nd, 2022, 4:55 pm

It could be normal, I did oil it and no change. I'll just monitor it. Thanks both for help!

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GreenStratMan
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Re: Flywheel Noise

Post by GreenStratMan » August 23rd, 2022, 4:26 am

ltdpilot wrote:
August 22nd, 2022, 4:55 pm
It could be normal, I did oil it and no change. I'll just monitor it. Thanks both for help!
I think it’s one of those things that when you notice it a realise you haven’t noticed it before, you wonder if there an issue.Point of focus is a curious thing.
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ltdpilot
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Re: Flywheel Noise

Post by ltdpilot » August 23rd, 2022, 7:12 am

Yes, quite possible it's always been there, just never noticed. Thanks!

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