Rattling noise

[Evenau]

I have a Gen 1 i167. There is a "rattle" type sound when I first begin to move. Is this normal?

[GlideGuy]

Originally Posted by Evenau

I have a Gen 1 i167. There is a "rattle" type sound when I first begin to move. Is this normal?

There is a noise that could be described as such...but it depends on how "bad" it sounds. It could be normal, or...it could be something is worn...

[Amimoto]

i167 is already over 10 years old, the elastomer should be changed long ago.
It would be worn out by now, or the silicon compound had become a liquified gluey compound.




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[Amimoto]

The gear box should still be going strong as the first gen's gear box is much tougher then the later second batch i2 (2009 onwards)


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[Bob.Kerns]

Originally Posted by Amimoto

i167 is already over 10 years old, the elastomer should be changed long ago.
It would be worn out by now, or the silicon compound had become a liquified gluey compound.




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Changing the elastomer is easy and cheap. Even easy to do yourself if you know the right screws (I don't; I've watched it done but don't recall). Maybe you should just get a pair and replace them?

My elastomers seem to be going strong after 6 years and 6000 miles. I hypothesize that newer ones may be a bit longer-lasting, but I really don't know - but after we opened mine up to check a year ago, they were in good enough condition we left them. And no issues with my gearbox so far.

[terryp]

I agree with Bob. I had to replace mine a couple times early on, but not for thousands of miles since, so I think the rubber may have been improved.

When they do go, you do get a rattling noise which sounds like the fender is loose. When you open it up, you find part of the elastomer has turned to gooey dust.

[GlideGuy]

Originally Posted by Evenau

I have a Gen 1 i167. There is a "rattle" type sound when I first begin to move. Is this normal?

Here are a couple of recordings…

The first one is with the segway under "no load" (i.e., no rider…just moving slowly under power assist mode).
Segway Rattle Copy.m4a.zip


The second one is with a rider, speeding up and slowing down.
Segway Under Load.m4a.zip

Sorry, I had to "zip" the sound files as the Admins of this forum have not enabled uploading of sound files…only pictures, PDF's and zip files.

[terryp]

That doesn't sound like what I heard when my elastomers went bad.

[PeteInLongBeach]

Worn elastomers exhibit a growling sort of sound. The mild rattling at low speed and start-up is transmission gear lash - normal.

[Amimoto]

If the 11 years old Segway never checked or replaced the elastomer, it is recommended to replace it now, because a worn-out elastomer might crack and damage the plastic shaft cupeling, it will be extra cost to replace that part (Gen1's part is harder to find then the current i2)

Picture showing i2 shaft



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