Brose freewheel failure: when the crank suddenly spins freely
You pedal, the crank turns, but no power reaches the rear wheel. On the Brose mid-drive motor (Drive C, S, T, TF), the cause may be a freewheel.
Two freewheels in the motor
The Brose drive has two freewheels. The crank freewheel sits on the crankshaft and connects the crank to the drive. The belt freewheel sits under the belt pulley and decouples the motor when you pedal without assistance. Both are sprag clutch freewheels, not pawl freewheels, and both sit inside the motor housing.
Reported signs
- The crank spins freely: You pedal, but the drive does not take up the force.
- The pedals turn along: When coasting, the pedals keep turning, or the motor briefly keeps pushing after you stop pedalling.
- Unusual noises: Clicking or banging when pulling away.
These signs come from workshop and user reports; they do not replace a diagnosis. If, on the other hand, the assistance suddenly fails completely, the drive belt may also have snapped. See our guide Brose motor: belt snapped or slipping?
Replacement only with the motor opened
Because both freewheels sit inside the motor, the housing has to be opened to replace them. This is a job for a specialist workshop or experienced mechanics with suitable tools. As long as the statutory warranty or a guarantee applies, the specialist dealer is the first point of contact.
Freewheels for Brose Drive C/S/T/TF (prices at bikely as of 10 October 2026):
- Crank freewheel: Brose Original €44.95, PLB20127 €39.95, Heavy Duty €54.95
- Belt freewheel: Brose Original €44.95, PLB20126 €39.95, Heavy Duty €54.95
Matching parts: Freewheels for Brose Drive C/S/T/TF · Belt kits · All Brose spare parts
Sources: emtb-news: Brose motor taken apart · Retailer information crank freewheel PLB20127 · Workshop information on Brose freewheels. As of: October 2026.
