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Topic: Noisy Hobie mirage drive  (Read 2145 times)

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NowhereMan

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Back when I upgraded my mirage drive to GT, it had an annoying squeak. I ended up replacing the (black) delrin bearings with (white-ish) nylon, as discussed here:

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=64368.0

It's been a while, so I thought I'd post a quick update.

I'd estimate that I've got at least 500 miles of actually pedaling on the nylon bearings that I installed, so I took the drive apart and inspected the bearing yesterday. The first picture shows the nylon bearings around one of the center axles, and the second picture is a closeup of the same. The third picture shows one of the used nylon bearings, a delrin bearing (same as Hobie uses) and a brand new unused nylon bearing. The new and used nylon bearings are the same---there is no noticeable wear after a couple of seasons and lots of hours/miles of pedaling.

With the nylon bearings, the drive is quiet, and that's without any lube of any kind (no dirt-trapping grease). Other than inspecting the cables, the mirage drive is zero maintenance. The only "catch" is that you need to use 1 less bearing rod. For example, there are 15 delrin rods around the main axle in each drum, so I use 14 nylon bearings.

Anyways, I highly recommend nylon bearings (cut from 1/8" nylon 6/6 rod), especially if you are getting any noise from your mirage drive.
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The X Inn Keeper

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Can you supply a link on where to get the new material?
Looks like a good upgrade
;0)
Hobie Outback (dune)


P-Sherman

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Thanks for the update. I do have the same annoying squeak from my drive.

I'd like to know where you can purchase the nylon rod bearings.

Thanks.
John da P-Sherman
2015 Hobie Revolution 13 - Blue
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RBark

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My drive is squeaking like hell. only on the right pedal. Was driving me crazy and I'm deaf. The feel of the squeak is awful.

I'm going to have to try this... I have no idea how to work on a Mirage Drive so I guess I'll spend saturday learning. I'd like to know where to get the material as well. Thanks
Thresher in avatar and Soupfin Shark in signature both caught and pic taken by me.
3rd place Kayak Connection Derby, 2014
45th place / 423 pts / 3 Species - AOTY 2014 (nowhere to go but up!)
30th place / 1132.25 pts / 7 Species - AOTY 2015 (moving up a little!)

Always looking for new people to fish with!



NowhereMan

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I just ordered some, as I'm upgrading my 2nd mirage drive to GT, and got it from these guys

http://www.plasticsintl.com/nylon-nylon-extruded-c-10_12_97-l-en.html?filter%5B1%5D=Natural&filter%5B2%5D=0.125&filter%5B3%5D=96

They quoted me a price of $4.80 per 8' length, which is a little cheaper than what they show on their website, and claim they'll ship it the same day ordered. If you get 2 of the 8' rods, that'll be more than enough. But, shipping sucks, at $14.00. If I'd been thinking, I'd have held off and put together a group buy...

Anyways, if you can find another source--preferably local, to avoid shipping costs--anything that says nylon 6/6 or 6,6 or 66 or 101 should all be the same. I think the black (as opposed to "natural") is the same, but have not seen it in that small diameter.

Let me know if you have any questions.
Born in Arizona
Moved to Babylonia
Got a condo made of stone-a


NowhereMan

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  • Location: Lexington Hills (Santa Clara County)
  • Date Registered: Aug 2011
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I have no idea how to work on a Mirage Drive so I guess I'll spend saturday learning.

This video looks pretty good, but skip the grease...
Born in Arizona
Moved to Babylonia
Got a condo made of stone-a


RBark

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I ordered 6 of the 8’ ones. They are shipped cut down to 32”. If I don’t make any mistakes I’ll probably have 4 left over. I’ll let you guys know. Could grab it from me at gimme Shelter.
Thresher in avatar and Soupfin Shark in signature both caught and pic taken by me.
3rd place Kayak Connection Derby, 2014
45th place / 423 pts / 3 Species - AOTY 2014 (nowhere to go but up!)
30th place / 1132.25 pts / 7 Species - AOTY 2015 (moving up a little!)

Always looking for new people to fish with!