Creaking Mirage 180 Drive

My drive has developed a rather loud creak while pedaling. Are there specific lube points to pay attention to? Drive is less than 6 months old.


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just creeking with no grinding sound?

Have you cycled forward and backwards? sometimes the string that controls that shifting can get stuck between the parts inside the drive and that may cause significant friction as it tries to rotate.

If that doesn't do it then my only other guess would be one of the bearings has stopped being able to easily rotate (probably something like vegetation or other non-sandy thing keeping it stuck).

The drive isn't that hard to take apart and service if you have to. But you could try just spraying some wd40 or other spray lubricant into the gaps of the drive and move it around so gravity can get it everywhere inside and hope that can dislodge whatever is causing the bearings to seize up.

If you go the disassembly route, there are videos online that walk you thru it. You dont have to take _everything_ apart though... you might get lucky and it'll be something obvious from the start.

Yup ... just creaking ... no grinding sound

I once fixed a creaking problem. IIRC I did this by sliding the nuts (which are in a bit of a slot) to the inside I think. Then lining up the cables. This is on the cables that run between the front and back. I think I also loosened them off just a fraction.

If you can't isolate the Mirage Drive 180 source of the creaking noise, another possibility is the "click and go" assembly (either side) has slightly loosened up and the main stainless steel Mirage Drive shaft is allowed to move....just a tad...this can also cause a creaking sound too.

The solution is to make sure the cap screws are firmly secured to the hull inserts.....you need a 3/16" "ball head" Allen wrench for the task.

_________________
Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

Finally got my boat on the water after lubing everything on the drive. Total silence for about an hour, then it started creaking again. On to the other suggestions!


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My girlfriend's 180 drive on her mirage does the same thing we have not been able to isolate the issue it is kind of annoying when trying to enjoy the peace on the water. We have tried to find the creaking source but can not locate them. It is the V1 180 drive. Hopefully you are successful in locating the issue.

Likely the forward bearing races. The ends of the bearings but up against a flat and while spinning cause noise.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

And the fix would be ... ?

Lubrication.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)