Yamaha PW drive: spot the wear parts and replace them in time
The Yamaha PW series sits in many bikes from Haibike, Giant and Winora, there partly under their own name. Robust does not mean maintenance-free, though: after a few thousand kilometres the typical wear points make themselves heard.
What to watch out for:
- Play at the crank: If the crank can be moved sideways, the crankshaft bearings are worn out. Riding on enlarges the damage to the housing.
- Noise when wheeling the bike: A grinding sound without pedalling points to the freewheel or the main bearing.
- Rough running at a high cadence: Often a sign of unevenly worn gears in the transmission.
Acting in time pays off: As a spare part, a worn bearing costs a fraction of a replacement motor. Let it run and the play works its way into the housing – then only a complete swap really helps.
