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[spelunker]

I have been riding my 2013 0 S for about two weeks now. Just the other day I noticed a clicking sound coming from underneath the front of the bike. At first, I thought I might be a wheel bearing about to go out. But, I have discovered that the clicking sound stops when I turn off the key, so I know it's not the wheel! I am curious as to what is making the sound. It sounds like it's coming from the front of the battery box. It occurs when there's no load on the motor as when I am maintaining a constant speed on a slight downhill or coasting. My guess is that it is a relay or some sort of switching device possibly switching in and out the regenerative braking. I'm not worried about it, I'm just curious as to what it is (trying to learn about my new bike).

[trikester]

I've heard about some of the 2013's having a key in the key-way of the motor shaft sprocket that was too small (not the correct key for the slot). The characteristic of this error was a clicking sound when the load was taken off (similar to your description) caused by the key moving around in the slot. If that is the problem you are having then you need to let Zero know because it will wear the key-way if not corrected.

Trikester

[spelunker]

If that were the case, why would the sound stop when I turn off the key-switch, as it does in this case?

[firepower]

Maybe it moving due to magnetic field eddie currents when stopped.
Get it checked out regardless of what the cause is.
Zero needs to know any problems as soon as possible to stop problems in production.
And they try hard to fix issues and get there customers riding again.

[spelunker]

The dealer is closed today.  I plan on stopping in tomorrow.

[trikester]

If that were the case, why would the sound stop when I turn off the key-switch, as it does in this case?

I thought it might stop because when you turn off the switch the motor is no longer acting as a generator so the load on the key-way is different.

Trikester

[spelunker]

That makes sense.  But, to me, the sound is coming from the front of the battery box and not the rear where the motor is.  I'll know in a couple of hours when the dealer opens.  Thanks for the suggestions.

[trikester]

Please let us know what turns out to be the cause.

Trikester

[spelunker]

Well, I was totally wrong. The tech said it was an issue with the motor or sprocket. He will contact Zero today and get back to me. Details to follow…

[trikester]

Well, I was totally wrong. The tech said it was an issue with the motor or sprocket. He will contact Zero today and get back to me. Details to follow…

That would be the key & key-way size problem then. Your description did sound like what I had heard.

Trikester

[spelunker]

So then I guess I should probably stop riding it until its fixed?

[WindRider]

Yes.   If the key way is sloppy continued use could damage the
shaft and make it permanently sloppy.   

Should be a quick fix if they have the right part. 

[trikester]

They do have the right part.

Trikester

[spelunker]

Zero is sending parts based on the description of the technician which fit the discussion of this thread. Hopefully, the parts will be here before Saturday so I can take it in Saturday morning and have it fixed.

[TargeT]

so... 24 miles on my bike and I'm pretty sure I have this issue as well. I hear a clicking noise by my right foot (sorta) its constant when coasting or on partial load, only under moderate-heavy acceleration does it stop, it's slower at slow speeds, faster at fast speeds... sounds like the key issue to me.

Problem is I paid an extra 700$ to have it shipped to the Virgin Islands and I can't exactly just "take it back to the dealer" is there any way this would be fixable by me with the part from zero; can't be too difficult can it?

I've done engine swaps before, installed superchargers and turbo systems, upgraded fuel systems etc... I'm not completely lost in a garage.

spending an extra 1,400 to have the bike shipped back, looked at by the dealer then shipped back again isn't high on my priority list, I've only gotten to ride half a charge so far