Wahoo Silent Kickr/Kickr Core Faults

[CXRAndy]

Interesting... It’s actually my video at the start.

I returned that unit and got a replacement, took some time to do as support was very slow.

I got the new one about 10 days ago.

After 75 miles, the new one started exhibiting exactly the same problems but far worse. The video link below is just one of several I have showing varying degrees of problem.

View: https://youtu.be/LdBp7P-p_LM


When I spend £1k on a piece of equipment, I expect it to work without having to resort to pre-operation maintenance. Wahoo have really let themselves down.

As a result, I’ve asked for a refund and yesterday bought a Tacx Neo..

Lost faith completely in them, which is a shame as I love the design compared to the Tacx.

It's a shame, but it's actually two very simple mistakes. The clunk, that is just the wrong size Woodruff Key and tightening of bolts.

The second issue, albeit simple, an overtightened belt has major consequences in damaging the flywheel or pulley bearings.

My bearings don't sound half as bad as your video, they're still damaged. Loosening the belt has improved the noise, but it's still there. With me being a person who likes to fettle and sort problems, that is why I didn't just return the Kickr until I knew what the problems were. Now Wahoo are fully aware from various websites, they will fix the problems. I'm waiting till nearer Xmas before returning for a replacement. I don't want to be without a turbo for a few weeks. There is a back log of orders and returns to deal with, so Wahoo will be busy for a few months sorting it

 

[Whorty]

I have this same knocking noise on the Kickr V1. I thought it was my BB. Even got my local bike shop to strip the BB and give it a clean. Really annoying noise. Will have a look at the mech tomorrow to see if I can stop the noise.

 

[droprename]

Do I win a prize for the most horrific noise? And do I win another prize for it happening on TWO units I've been given.
I had my first unit replaced after just a week of use, and the new unit is even worse (got it replaced within 5 days, bravo Wahoo).
Check out these horrific noises...

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zec5oV5CFE
noise at 175w/kg

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLzEcbO857M
grinding noise with no bike mounted
Asking for a refund. It's a shame, as my pain cave is all Wahoo, I like the Wahoo 'ecosystem', and I don't really want a Tacx Neo, but needs must!
You've just lost a fan Wahoo.

 

[theboxers]

Do I win a prize for the most horrific noise? And do I win another prize for it happening on TWO units I've been given.
I had my first unit replaced after just a week of use, and the new unit is even worse (got it replaced within 5 days, bravo Wahoo).
Check out these horrific noises...

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zec5oV5CFE
noise at 175w/kg

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLzEcbO857M
grinding noise with no bike mounted
Asking for a refund. It's a shame, as my pain cave is all Wahoo, I like the Wahoo 'ecosystem', and I don't really want a Tacx Neo, but needs must!
You've just lost a fan Wahoo.

Holy . That sounds like an old washing machine

 

[CXRAndy]

Excessively tight belt, completely knackered bearings. The other end of the scale is just a slight drone whilst spinning.

Once you get a replacement, Dont ride it!

First remove cowling and loosen belt at least 5 full turns of the Allen key adjustment. I would check for slip of belt and only add in a tiny amount of tension until belts stops slipping

 

[<Tommy>]

Man I’m sorry you guys are having to deal with this... I’m surprised to be honest, and it’s changed my opinion on the kickr a little bit.

 

[bridgy]

Excessively tight belt, completely knackered bearings. The other end of the scale is just a slight drone whilst spinning.

Once you get a replacement, Dont ride it!

First remove cowling and loosen belt at least 5 full turns of the Allen key adjustment. I would check for slip of belt and only add in a tiny amount of tension until belts stops slipping

It's worrying that new units seem to still be being shipped with these faults. Whilst I am sure your advice is sound mechanically, I would fear that you risk invalidating the warranty by opening it up and working on it yourself. I'm also put off by the potential time without a trainer if it did have to go back (even if the warranty thing was OK). Think I'll look at alternatives

 

[Aleman]

It's worrying that new units seem to still be being shipped with these faults.

It depends on what's in the supply chain and the wholesalers / retailers .. It's not as if the Turbo trainer industry is JIT after all. ... I would guess that Wahoo have informed the retailers and wholesalers, and they have removed the units in stock from sale, which explains why Wiggle don't have any, and the will replace those, and collect for return and repair at the same time. ... Stock is going to be difficult to get for the time being

As for the warranty, I don't know but is there a way to adjust the belt tension WITHOUT removing the cowl?? If not then I don't see how removing the cowl and slackening the tension is going to invalidate the warranty.

Neo is looking like a good option especially with no belt required although I still want a 'Climb' type device

 

[CXRAndy]

Man I’m sorry you guys are having to deal with this... I’m surprised to be honest, and it’s changed my opinion on the kickr a little bit.

Its not such a problem to me Tommy, I intercepted the issue early on. My own turbo has a little noise and cant hear it when fans are on. Ill keep using my turbo for a few months, so that the supply chain is good and hopefully by then the issues have been sorted.

Hell, if Wahoo gave me a brand new turbo today, I'd take i because I know what to do to remedy the problem

Its not a big deal, just a little annoying, probably more so for those who aren't practical, or afraid at fettling niggles themselves.

 

[theboxers]

It sounds like there has been a concerted effort to feck with Wahoo's manufacturing facilities or there has been a piece/s of kit gone faulty that was used to torque the various bolts on the unit. Has someone been/not been paid correctly?

 

[CXRAndy]

It's worrying that new units seem to still be being shipped with these faults. Whilst I am sure your advice is sound mechanically, I would fear that you risk invalidating the warranty by opening it up and working on it yourself. I'm also put off by the potential time without a trainer if it did have to go back (even if the warranty thing was OK). Think I'll look at alternatives

There is no way for Wahoo to tell you've opened it. It's just a few screws. Wahoo sell belts for their earlier models, so it's not like they don't expect users not to change the belt and adjust it.

I suspect Wahoo don't like someone posting what caused these noises. It's really sloppy QC to not verify that the bearings are not overloaded with belt tension.

 

[droprename]

Thought I'd post confirmation that simply tightening the bolt as CRXAndy suggests works as with some video proof:

BEFORE (noisy!)

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILpJW5qi2KU


AFTER the bolt tightening, fixed!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILpJW5qi2KU


Unfortunately I'd ridden over 40km with this terrible grinding noise

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zec5oV5CFE
before discovering the fix, so no doubt the bearings are knackered on mine, so I'm still angling for a refund. Totally unacceptable on Wahoo's part.

 

[CXRAndy]

Perfect example, before/after

Thought I'd post confirmation that simply tightening the bolt as CRXAndy suggests works as with some video proof:

BEFORE (noisy!)

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILpJW5qi2KU


AFTER the bolt tightening, fixed!

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILpJW5qi2KU


Unfortunately I'd ridden over 40km with this terrible grinding noise

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zec5oV5CFE
before discovering the fix, so no doubt the bearings are knackered on mine, so I'm still angling for a refund. Totally unacceptable on Wahoo's part.

 

[Freelanderuk]

Can the bearings be changed ,or is it a full pully change

 

[CXRAndy]

Can the bearings be changed ,or is it a full pully change

In theory, yes you could change bearings. You will need to dismantle the whole Kickr and use a press or drift to knock out bearings, then press new bearings back in. Very time consuming, but satisfying project for a winter weekend. I might look out for a 18 Kickr next year if someone tries to sell with knackered bearings.

Realistically though get it back under warranty and let Wahoo refurbish the early ones