Mirage drive question

We need a sticky thread for all the MD goodies


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My clunk came back in my drive, so I thought I would tear my hole drive a part not as bad as it seems. Well what I found was my chain and sprocket do not mess together causing the chain to stick onto the sprocket causing a clunk. Not to sure how to fix this problem, I wonder if it would be covered under warranty. My wife's drive out of her 2011 Revo is smooth and does not have this problem, mine is a 2012 model.

PatR

I did the same thing with mine(also a 2012) and same problem. I hoping it will just wear into place if I keep using it.


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Mines making noise also and I got it in august took it out twice

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My mirage drive just started making the clicking noise you guys described. I notice it only happens when I push down on the right pedal at slow speeds. Will try tightening that bolt tonight to see if it changes anything

My mirage drive just started making the clicking noise you guys described. I notice it only happens when I push down on the right pedal at slow speeds. Will try tightening that bolt tonight to see if it changes anything

yep exact same right foot push,mine does it at fast and slow

My clunk came back in my drive, so I thought I would tear my hole drive a part not as bad as it seems. Well what I found was my chain and sprocket do not mess together causing the chain to stick onto the sprocket causing a clunk. Not to sure how to fix this problem, I wonder if it would be covered under warranty. My wife's drive out of her 2011 Revo is smooth and does not have this problem, mine is a 2012 model.

PatR

I took the sprocket and filed on it a bit until the chain just fit. Tested it at half-moon bay today and the clunk was gone for now

PatR

Is this problem related to the 2012 drive systems only? I was thinking of picking up a 2013 revo 11, hopefully this issue has been addressed by Hobie.

its starting to seem that way

Ive got a 2011 and it does the same thing. Thanks for the heads up. I will tighten that bolt before my next trip and see if that helps.

My AI Mirage Drive developed the knocking noise and Monday I tightened the bolt in the photo, 1/8th of a turn, and when went out of Timber Bay Monday the knocking noise was gone.  Thanks.

I was thinking about this a bit... In my case, I never change my pedal position.  I set it when I got my yak in 08 and have never touched it again.  If some of the clunks come from the alignment pin banging around in the adjustment holes, perhaps one could force some silicone caulking or putty style epoxy or something in around the alignment pin to eliminate any play. 

I may have found the issue(s) but wont know til I give my mirage drive a run later this week. Will keep you guys updated.

With a decent amount of time in between each crab trap soak, I decided to try and tackle this “clunking” noise on the water at Half Moon Bay. I found three potential culprits - aside from those previously mentioned - during my investigation:

1. Problem - I noticed that every time I would tighten the six 11 mm bolts to adjust the tension of the chains, two would loosen up by a thread or more after pedaling for 10+ minutes.

    Solution - I was originally going to use Loctite but figured it would be a pain to take off or re-adjust if needed. Not too sure if this is a good solution, but I purchased some nuts at Home Depot to help “lock in” the Locknuts. I’m thinking another solution is to replace the old Locknuts
with new ones?



2. Problem - There are two locking rings that help secure the fins to the mirage drive. I noticed if I push one of the pedals all the way forward (really unlikely for me to do this), the locking rings would hit the hull causing a light “clunking” noise.

    Solution – I haven’t actually looked into this issue much deeper, but I’m thinking a little goop around the rings might do the trick? To be honest, I really don’t think this was the reason for the clunking noise I’ve been experiencing. However, it is one less clunk to worry about.



3. Problem – I noticed this part (sorry, I don’t know the name of it) of the chain would slide side to side (with a little force), causing a “clunking” noise very similar to what I believe we are all experiencing.

    Solution – I found some old 40lb fluorocarbon leader material and tied several loops in between gaps of the chain links, creating a makeshift washer. If someone else knows a better solution to this issue, please feel free to share. I was thinking about using a plastic/rubber washer, but the issue is securing it so it doesn't come out.



After making all the changes listed above, I gave it a go today at the Mountain View aquatic park. Pedaled at all speeds (well over 1 hour) and noticed no clunks at all. Will put the mirage drive to the test again this weekend (hopefully with a lot of current) and let you guys know how everything is holding up. I’m thinking the main culprit is problem number 3. The noise it makes is very similar to the “clunks” I’ve been hearing and feeling recently. I really hope this is the main problem! I don’t want to do more investigative work haha
   




         


   

Good observations JT... as far as taking up the slack in the cable to chain connection perhaps you could find a properly sized snap ring, to snap around the axle there and take up most if not all of the extra space.  My guess here is that the majority of the more severe clunks we experience of from chain/sprocket meshing issues.  Keeping chains lubricated and properly tensioned is the cure.  As far as the less obvious clicks and ticks, it have a feeling it is equal parts of all the other things mentioned in this thread.  I have the older style cam locks in my hobie circa '08... keeping the drive tightly locked in seems to help as much as anything else.