How to Perform Bearing Checks on Apollo ScootersUpdated 7 days ago

This article explains how to check wheel bearings and headset bearings on Apollo scooters to diagnose noise, play, roughness, or drag.

Example: You hear grinding or clicking from the wheel, feel wobble at the axle, or the wheel doesn’t spin freely.

Symptoms

• Grinding, rumbling, or metallic clicking from front or rear wheel
• Wheel wobble or lateral play when rocked side-to-side at the rim
• Reduced free spin or wheel stops quickly after a hand spin
• Vibration in the handlebar under braking or when riding over smooth surfaces
• Notchy steering or “centering” feel when turning the handlebar (headset bearings)
• Heat at the hub area after riding, or visible grease leakage/dirt ingress

Causes

• Normal wear of sealed bearings from mileage and load
• Water or debris ingress due to wet riding or pressure washing
• Insufficient lubrication or dried grease over time
• Impact damage from potholes/curbs causing brinelling or race damage
• Incorrect axle preload or loose hardware leading to accelerated wear
• Misaligned spacers or contamination post-service

Routine bearing checks help identify wear early and prevent more costly repairs.

Typical outcomes:

• If bearings are smooth and silent: Clean, reassemble, and torque to spec.
• If there is slight play but bearings feel smooth: Adjust hardware/preload and retest.
• If roughness, grinding, or persistent play remains: Replace the affected sealed bearings or the complete wheel hub assembly (model-dependent).
• If steering feels notchy or self-centers: Service or replace headset bearings.

Model-agnostic service guidance:

• There are two bearing areas to inspect: the steering column (headset) and the motor hub.
• If the steering column (headset) bearings are worn or notchy: replace the headset bearing(s).
• If the motor hub bearing is failing: replacing the entire motor assembly is recommended for most users. The bearing can be pressed out and replaced, but this requires advanced tools and experience; swapping the motor is typically faster and more reliable.

Recommended actions:

• Inspect for play and roughness at both wheels and the headset
• Clean axle interfaces and verify correct torque on axle hardware
• Avoid pressure washing; dry and re-lube exposed interfaces after wet rides
• Replace bearings or motor promptly if roughness/noise persists after adjustment

Troubleshooting Steps

• Lift each wheel and spin by hand; listen for grinding and note spin-down time.
• Rock the wheel laterally at the rim; feel for play at the axle or swingarm/fork.
• Place a finger on the axle area while spinning to detect vibration from rough bearings.
• Turn the handlebar lock-to-lock with the scooter off; check for notchiness at centre.
• Retorque axle and headset hardware to specification; recheck for play/noise.
• If the headset remains notchy, replace the headset bearing; if hub noise/play persists, replace the motor assembly.