I don't remember hearing such a loud growling sound when backpedalling before. I suspect it might be because I used a power washer to clean my bike last time (though I didn't aim it directly at the hub, water may still have gotten inside), or because I sprayed a little bit of WD-40 into the hub where the gear chain is located. The noise doesn't affect performance, but I'm concerned whether I should have my hub serviced already (it's a 2023 hub). Sometimes, I also hear a loud clanking noise when pedalling, regardless of which gear I'm in.
Is this growling noise normal when backpedalling in IGH gears 1 and 2?
byu/fuegolds inBrompton
by fuegolds
2 Comments
It is best to apply several drops of a synthetic oil into the hub, where the gear chain goes and then lay the Brompton on its left side overnight, so that the oil seeps into the hub’s internal mechanism. I use Mobil-1 oil, for example. The few drops of synthetic oil refreshes the lubricity of the hub’s installed grease. Other Brompton owners report applying oil 1 to 2 times a year. My oldest Bromptons are 13 years old.
OP NEVER use a pressure washer on a bike it’s the quickest and easiest way to absolutely bugger up the bearings.