DRIVE PROBLEM/SOUND

Okay, I've had this weird CLICK/GLITCH/CATCH in my drive that is so random I've put off writing about it. Seems it comes from port side of the drive. Nothing is bent, nothing looks worn and yet sometimes repeatedly, sometimes just now and then, I get this really annoying (sound indicates something is not right) catch/glitch when pedaling. I've tried pushing the pedals apart or together, more torque against current and/or wind, the opposite --- in hopes of replicating or eliminating it and NOTHING is consistent about it. The only thing I haven't done is take it apart. I don't know if from the center line there is always a half inch space to port (nothing on starboard), however I just noticed that last weekend. Nothing is loose, though. It's really annoying and needs fixing. I can go a half hour, half a minute, one hour without it. Sometimes taking the drive out and putting it back in helps, but then -- not really. Not always.....HELP!!!!! THANKS IN ADVANCE.

It happens on mine, sometimes, but not always.

Once I discovered the sound was due the edge of my water shoe occasionally catching the plastic edge of the pedal adjuster. Other times, I can't find any rhyme nor reason for it. And most times it's quiet.

If you figure out what it is, let us know.

Have you tried to tighten up, just a tad the 9/16" bolt at the bottom of the pedal arms?
This will make adjusting the stroke a little harder as the whole assembly is "tighter".
Sometimes, there is a wee bit of slop/looseness, that causes the "stroke adjustment pin" to move back and forth in the round hole, making a clicking sound.

Lastly, what model Hobie do you own and age?

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Dr.SteelheadCatcher
Warrenton, OR

Lula, troubleshooting Drive noises can be difficult -- there are so many potential sources. If none of the previous suggestions pan out, try breaking your stroke down.

Where in the stroke does it occur? right after the start? mid stroke? at end? on reversal? with short as well as long strokes? fast/slow stroke? When you push and pause?

Some odd possibilities: cotter ring (retains clevis pin at fin clew) randomly smacking hull at end of stroke (check condition of ring to see if it is deformed -- if so, flip pin to face opposite side); outhauls swinging from side to side on reversal or at beginning of stroke; stroke at limit of play; fins (or sprocket bases) smacking hull at (or near) end of stroke. Take the Drive out (ashore), operate it by hand upside down and watch the chain links pass over the sprockets from end to end. There should be no lifting or binding. How does the pedal play look? Pedal slack is adjustable through removable end cap -- should be non-binding but not sloppy. These can all produce a variety of noises when amplified through the hull.

Do you actually hear this on the port side or does this take place when the left foot moves forward? I presume we're not talking about anything that squeaks (lack of lube).

Mine made a couple of different "clunking" sounds in the past year. The first one made it sound like I had an old one-piston low-speed engine going the whole time I pedaled. I finally figured it out when one day I couldn't remove the drive! Got under the yak and found the main shaft had come loose and had been slowly working its way back. The clunking was from the shaft bumping the back of the drive well, and it finally moved back far enough it couldn't clear the "shelf" (is that the right term?! ) at the back of the well.

The second noise was lighter / quieter, and I could actually feel a "bump" in the pedals when it happened. Lubricating everything seemed to help for a little while, then it'd start again. Finally noticed the shaft of the idler pulley was sticking out! The setscrew had worked loose and it was working its way forward. That caused the back end of the pulley to move side to side.

I put it all back together and ah, blissful silence! -- For a short while. Then it started doing it again! Looked into things more closely and found that the idler pulley was VERY tight on the shaft, even if I lubricated it. The shaft was turning in the plastic housing. Then the ring the setscrew threads into cracked! Argh. Took the drive back to my dealer and got another one.

I'll admit I didn't attend to maintenance like I should have the first six months I had the drive, I suppose it got well-worn during that time or something. I've been more attentive to the new drive, hopefully it won't get into such a state as the last one!

Thank you everybody for the feedback. My Revo is about 5 yrs old. First couple years in fresh water and now in salt and the drive rinsed EVERY time. From recollection I say mid stroke and sometimes with a light push and others an all out. The only thing that seems asymmetrical is that 1/2" space on the port side (of axle, from center) that the starboard doesn't have. I find it really takes away from the normal pure pleasure of the boat because of the sound, feel and concern. I will inspect more closely and try to write down stuff when I'm out. Keep you posted......

The axle is easily centred by tapping it back with a mallet/hammer.

Thank you, that may be the answer right there. I never noticed this 'til a week ago. Seems since the turbo fins it has become worse....? Maybe I got it off center somehow when I put them on? My understanding is they create more torque, however in the mildest of conditions and pedaling it's done it. Can't wait to see if centering fixes the sound!!!

May not be it but don't rule out that it could be the point where the pedal and pedal arm meet each other, mine makes sounds at times in this area.


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