How to Perform Bearing Checks on Apollo ScootersUpdated 12 hours 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.