Most people often assume if their electric mountain bike motor is creaking, there is a problem with the motor or motor bearings and get worried they got a dud.
This noise turns out to be nothing motor related in 99% of cases.
Creaking sounds coming from the motor can be caused by:
🔧 Loose motor bolts causing the body of the motor to creak against the frame
🔧 A seat post rubbing (this creak often travels down the frame and makes it sound like it is coming from the motor)
🔧 Loose crank arms
🔧 Loose chainring bolts
🔧 A creaking pedal
🔧 A suspension linkage issue
🔧 Loose rear wheel axle
Bearings don’t usually creak⚡️
A good test to follow for a bearing issue is if you hear a crunching, grinding or grumbling sound coming from the motor. This is a rare occurrence on the high performance motors.
However, if you do decide to derestrict your EMTB, be willing to accept the reality of potentially more motor, bearing and battery problems.