If it were me, I'd still change it. That sounds like something is wearing out, not something you want to surprise you when you are traveling downhill at speed.
this post was submitted on 08 Jul 2025
9 points (100.0% liked)
bike wrench
1004 readers
1 users here now
A place to ask bicycle repair questions, and for bike shop monkeys to share advanced non commercial wrenching resources (no YouTube self promotion). This is only for repair related topics.
founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
Bearings are smoothest when they are worn out. So if you have replacement I would just change it.
They're also not under load when you're spinning by hand so it's not really the same test
I have no experience with these, but I recently started as a mechanic in a bike shop, and they told me those can be an absolute bear to work on. Hours just to get a wheel off, for example.
So, if you run into trouble, you might look at just trying to lube the bearings already in place.
No joke, some e-scooter wheels are the devil to work with if you have to change a tire. Without special equipment, it's like a multi-person job!
Some models use split-rim wheels, which are supposed to be far better to work with.
But fortunately, the front bearing on this model is super easy to replace. I might just go for the bearing swap and then clean the drum brake while I'm at it.
She deserves to be cared for after this many years.
No joke, some e-scooter wheels are the devil to work with if you have to change a tire. Without special equipment, it's like a multi-person job!
Yeah, that's what they were saying - hours and hours just to get the tire off.
One scooter I had consumed two full days trying to get the tire off and on (rear tire, which has the motor, so it was extra PITA).
Ultimately, I had to get my son and a friend to help, and we used super-industrial zip ties and a clamp + soap and water... thank fuck you only need to do that every few years.