C5ALIVE Forum

C5Alive General Category => C5 Chatroom => Topic started by: kamilb1998 on 08, January, 2013 - 15:38:27

Title: Broken down :(
Post by: kamilb1998 on 08, January, 2013 - 15:38:27
No idea what the problem is yet but the outer part of the gearbox - the part that drives the belt - seems to have collapsed resulting in no drive.

Driving along this morning with headphones in, it suddenly started slowing down. I removed my headphones to hear a loud grinding noise. I pulled over and removed the wheel expecting it to be a dislodged drive transfer plate on the wheel. Oh, how wrong I was  :'(. I pedalled it slowly due to a dodgy freewheel - I have already emailed Karl to check if be has one - and I nursed it to school and was only 5 mins late. (Note to self: must wake up earlier ;)).

Now awaiting recovery in the form of a minibus/estate car taxi.
Title: Re: Broken down :(
Post by: danny7147 on 08, January, 2013 - 16:01:48
That's really annoying! Let us know when you find out what's happened!
Title: Re: Broken down :(
Post by: kamilb1998 on 08, January, 2013 - 16:03:59
Can't be bothered to go an diagnose the fault right now - may do later - but here's the obligatory 'on the recovery truck' picture.

(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/81157450-7FB8-48CE-ADE7-C92B4D170E67-1993-00000307A7D0FC3B.jpg)
Title: Re: Broken down :(
Post by: danny7147 on 08, January, 2013 - 16:30:31
Nice looking bike! What batteries do you use in yours?
Title: Re: Broken down :(
Post by: radiomarty on 08, January, 2013 - 17:22:38
Hi Kamilb - sorry to hear about your breakdown- I think you do more mileage than anyone else and really test the reliability of the vehicle - so it would be interesting to know what the fault is - if you need any help / parts etc i'm sure between us we can help - Marty
Title: Re: Broken down :(
Post by: kamilb1998 on 08, January, 2013 - 17:28:44
Well, this is quite clearly the component that failed. Now got to find a replacement.

(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/BC4CC8FE-C033-4890-AEEB-E7414C4FCA4B-1993-00000317DEBD8947.jpg)
Title: Re: Broken down :(
Post by: radiomarty on 08, January, 2013 - 17:39:17
Hi Kamilb - due to the mileage you do it maybe worth considering one of Chas's metal ones ?
Title: Re: Broken down :(
Post by: kamilb1998 on 08, January, 2013 - 17:48:19
Hi Kamilb - due to the mileage you do it maybe worth considering one of Chas's metal ones ?

Yeah, will be dropping him an email.
Title: Re: Broken down :(
Post by: Luke S on 08, January, 2013 - 17:50:54
Your not having much luck with your C5 lately :P :P
Title: Re: Broken down :(
Post by: C5 ENTHUSIAST + RESTORER on 08, January, 2013 - 19:39:45
Hi it looks like the large bearing failed Check it out ..Also are the two small bearings that go inside the gearbox  ok..
Title: Re: Broken down :(
Post by: kamilb1998 on 08, January, 2013 - 19:43:54
Hi it looks like the large bearing failed Check it out ..Also are the two small bearings that go inside the gearbox  ok..

Yeah, I guess it could have done. It did feel a little slower than usual like something was causing drag.

Did you get my email about the metal gearbox insert?
Title: Re: Broken down :(
Post by: Luke S on 08, January, 2013 - 19:47:40
How will you be commuting to and from school  :-\ :-\
Title: Re: Broken down :(
Post by: kamilb1998 on 08, January, 2013 - 19:48:57
How will you be commuting to and from school  :-\ :-\

Will have to get the bus.
Title: Re: Broken down :(
Post by: Luke S on 08, January, 2013 - 19:51:40
More reliable the bus, I would rather use a C5 it would be more fun
Title: Re: Broken down :(
Post by: kamilb1998 on 08, January, 2013 - 19:53:52
More reliable the bus, I would rather use a C5 it would be more fun

That's why I use the C5. I wouldn't say the bus is more reliable, it broke down a couple of time too in the year that I was on it - the Sinclair has only really broken down once in over a year.
Title: Re: Broken down :(
Post by: Lancealot on 08, January, 2013 - 19:55:35
Can you remember what a bus is........ ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

As a car driver since I was 17, some 25 years the only time I get near a bus / coach is on holiday to and from the airport..... ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Lance
Title: Re: Broken down :(
Post by: kamilb1998 on 08, January, 2013 - 19:55:51
I have been out and have removed the large bearing and it looks like it failed - seems to have seized. Those 2 weeks of rest don't seem to have done it any good  ;)
Title: Re: Broken down :(
Post by: danny7147 on 08, January, 2013 - 20:10:19
Uh hum... bus driver here...  ::) Just because I make an about of targeting cyclists and making cars swerve shouldn't give us a bad reputation  :o
Title: Re: Broken down :(
Post by: Karl on 08, January, 2013 - 20:28:26
Uh hum... bus driver here...  ::) Just because I make an about of targeting cyclists and making cars swerve shouldn't give us a bad reputation  :o

you left out trying to squash bikers as they squeeze through gaps that are far too small and closing (ahem, not speaking from experience of course... ::)) .. ;D :P
Title: Re: Broken down :(
Post by: C5 ENTHUSIAST + RESTORER on 08, January, 2013 - 22:04:46
Hi there Kamilb Yes I received your email and I do have a metal gearbox insert but you will also need a new bearing as well check them   out on the Chas section  And get back to me .
Bye Chas
Title: Re: Broken down :(
Post by: kamilb1998 on 08, January, 2013 - 22:18:37
Hi there Kamilb Yes I received your email and I do have a metal gearbox insert but you will also need a new bearing as well check them   out on the Chas section  And get back to me .
Bye Chas

Chas, I have a spare bearing from when I replaced my gearbox casing & the three little cogs in July. So I would only need the metal gearbox insert unless they require a different bearing?
Title: Re: Broken down :(
Post by: C5 ENTHUSIAST + RESTORER on 09, January, 2013 - 15:56:31
Hi there Kamil Email sent Thanks I will post the insert as soon as I get your posting details .
Bye Chas
Title: Re: Broken down :(
Post by: C5 ENTHUSIAST + RESTORER on 10, January, 2013 - 18:57:39
Hi there Kamil posted your gearbox insert this morning 1st class .  (You will find it best to fit the large bearing on the insert first then into the gearbox outer case ...all the best Chas
Title: Re: Broken down :(
Post by: kamilb1998 on 10, January, 2013 - 19:54:01
Thanks Chas, I hope it gets here tomorrow. I can't wait to stop commuting by bus - only been 2 days and I've already had enough  ;)
Title: Re: Broken down :(
Post by: Karl on 11, January, 2013 - 09:52:51
Thanks Chas, I hope it gets here tomorrow. I can't wait to stop commuting by bus - only been 2 days and I've already had enough  ;)

The axle and motor mount should be with you soon as well so hopefully you'll be back on the road asap  ;)
Title: Re: Broken down :(
Post by: kamilb1998 on 11, January, 2013 - 15:53:31
Received all the bits in the post today, will be off to rebuild it this evening and will post progress on here.
Title: Re: Broken down :(
Post by: kamilb1998 on 11, January, 2013 - 21:53:33
Well, I have got it all back together now. Was too dark to take any pictures outside by the time I finished at 9pm so I only have a couple from installing the new gearbox insert.

It also seems to run much quieter now, with this new insert. I have only taken it around the estate as I had to use my phone as a torch to see where I was going. Will take it for a longer run tomorrow and adjust everything to eliminate any untoward noises & squeaks.

(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/gearobx%20rebuild/IMG_1303_zps023a2a3f.jpg)
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/gearobx%20rebuild/IMG_1304_zps083d9670.jpg)
(http://i839.photobucket.com/albums/zz311/kamilb1998/Sinclair%20C5/gearobx%20rebuild/IMG_1305_zpsec7184dc.jpg)
Title: Re: Broken down :(
Post by: kamilb1998 on 12, January, 2013 - 16:34:13
Took it for a run today and didn't break down again. The motor seems to run quieter and the replacement axle and motor mount have also made a big difference - the bearings were really noisy on the old items.
Title: Re: Broken down :(
Post by: radiomarty on 12, January, 2013 - 16:58:52
Great news bud  :) :)
Title: Re: Broken down :(
Post by: Dave.76 on 12, January, 2013 - 19:03:51
Great news , glad to hear you are back on the road.
Title: Re: Broken down :(
Post by: Lancealot on 12, January, 2013 - 19:49:41
Nice to see you up and running, how is Chas's metal gear as I get a very little vibration (motor not mounted) from mine but once on the c5 it goes.

Lance
Title: Re: Broken down :(
Post by: kamilb1998 on 12, January, 2013 - 20:05:53
Not quite sure what you mean, Lance?
Title: Re: Broken down :(
Post by: Lancealot on 12, January, 2013 - 20:08:21
As if there is something not quite central as its been machined from a solid block. I think it is one of the three pins for the three internal gears.

Lance
Title: Re: Broken down :(
Post by: kamilb1998 on 12, January, 2013 - 20:13:54
Still not quite sure what you mean?  :-[