Binding drive wheels.

Adrian Harris · Post by **Adrian Harris** » Sun Feb 28, 2010 5:00 pm

Anyone else noticed the drive wheels binding when the retaining screw is tightened down ?

There appears to be about a 1mm gap between the the centre of the outer bearing and the end of the axle. Unfortunately the bearings are bonded to the wheels but I've looked from the reverse side and I can't see any gap between the bearing and the wheel.

The wheels do rotate but this extra friction will have a detrimental effect on power consumption and hence battery life.

Adrian.

Derek Attree · Post by **Derek Attree** » Mon Mar 01, 2010 7:23 am

Hi Adrian
I have the same on some of my wheels
I have not as yet looked at why they are binding but I have the same gap.
I am sure there will be a simple fix.

Derek

Garry Coomber · Post by **Garry Coomber** » Mon Mar 01, 2010 8:47 am

I am assuming you mean the sprockets. I had the same problem, it is very fine between freely running and stiff or plain locked up.

What I did was to put the gear/drive shaft into the lathe and effectively polish the arge flat surface on the back of the piece. There was not need to use a tool in the lathe, just emery cloth. From memory just enough to polish out the machining marks was enough.

Derek Attree · Post by **Derek Attree** » Mon Mar 01, 2010 9:58 am

Hi Gary
I mean the 6 pairs of wheels with tires. the Sprockets
were fine.

Derek

Garry Coomber · Post by **Garry Coomber** » Mon Mar 01, 2010 3:04 pm

Ah,

I don't remember that being a problem, but then it hasn't had a lot done to it for some time.

Dennis Jones · Post by **Dennis Jones** » Tue Mar 02, 2010 10:47 am

Adrian, I know this may sound silly, but I presume you haven't sprayed the mating surfaces ?

Dennis.

Adrian Harris · Post by **Adrian Harris** » Tue Mar 02, 2010 2:28 pm

Unfortunately I bought this Pz III part built so the bearings were already in place but I don't think the wheels were sprayed beforehand.

The gap appears to be bigger than I would expect for a layer of paint.

Adrian.

Derek Attree · Post by **Derek Attree** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 11:23 am

Adrian
My bearings have the same gap so I dont think it is problem from how things
went together.
I am looking at changing the cap or making up a small spacer washer.

When I get a chance to look I will post what I do.

Derek

Derek Attree · Post by **Derek Attree** » Wed Mar 03, 2010 11:23 am

Adrian
My bearings have the same gap so I dont think it is problem from how things
went together.
I am looking at changing the cap or making up a small spacer washer.

When I get a chance to look I will post what I do.

Derek

Derek Attree · Post by **Derek Attree** » Tue Mar 09, 2010 9:52 pm

Hi Adrian
I have fitted an M4 washer between the end of the axel
and the end cap it has fixed the binding on my wheels.

Derek

Adrian Harris · Post by **Adrian Harris** » Tue Mar 09, 2010 11:00 pm

Thanks Derek - sounds like an easy fix

Adrian.