My 500W geared hub motor has close to 4000 miles on it, and last fall it had been getting louder and louder. Even at a steady 15mph on the level you could hear a whine, and under load on a steep hill the noise became a loud howl, to the point that people would turn to see what it was. It was actually embarrassing!

I planned on pulling it apart during the winter but forgot about it until we finally got a few "spring" days and I was quickly reminded it needed help. Today was wet and cold - a non-riding day - so I pulled it apart. I found a lot of old grease in it, but it all worked its way out of the gears until all the teeth were dry. Teeth looked good and all seemed to mesh well, so I just cleaned out the old grease and liberally re-lubed with white lithium grease. It is now quiet as new when running free on the stand - still raining so maybe tomorrow I can give it a full test ride.

It was a relatively easy job, and I was able to pull it apart with it still laced in the wheel. I had never seen any recommended service interval for geared motors, but this will now become part of my regular winter down-time maintenance.