Pride Apex mobility scooter ball bearing

[Beachball]

I own a Pride Apex Rapid mobility scooter on the last holiday i notice some squeaking noise from the left back wheel so i am thinking i might need a ball bearing replace . is it a big job or would i be better to book it in at a mobility shop, i would appreciate any input on this matter

 

[otherclive]

Could you not try a squirt of oil/lubricant.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Before jumping to the conclusion its the bearing, be certain that is the source. My wifes wheelchair had a squeak that matched the wheel speed, and it seemed reasonable the bearing may to be blame, lubrication didn't work because it wasn't the roller bearing, it was the actually the axle shaft, which had a quick release system to allow the wheels to be removed. Not necessarily applicable to the mobility scooter, but it pays to keep an open mind.

Generally if a bearing does need to be replaced, any competent mechanical DIYer should be ok, so unless there is still a manufacturers warranty in force it doesn't need to be done by the shop.

 

[Hutch]

BB, on my wife's Pride Apex rapid, the rear right wheel had a rotational squeak which I thought might be a bearing, I was waiting for a break in our workload before I repaired it, and surprisingly it suddenly just went away, I think it may have been the tyre settling onto the wheel after maybe a kerb nudge.

 

[Dustydog]

BB see your dealer. The Prides use the entire sealed transaxle to which the wheels just slot on and bolt up. Nothing like a car!
Squirting lubrication near the inner wheel and transaxle is the worst thing you can do. The electronic brake is adjacent to one of the wheels on the transaxle . Lubricate it and don’t expect to stop!

 

[Beachball]

BB see your dealer. The Prides use the entire sealed transaxle to which the wheels just slot on and bolt up. Nothing like a car!
Squirting lubrication near the inner wheel and transaxle is the worst thing you can do. The electronic brake is adjacent to one of the wheels on the transaxle . Lubricate it and don’t expect to stop!

Hi Dusty the mobility scooter due for a service and i will ask him to check it but thanks for your input

 

[Beachball]

BB, on my wife's Pride Apex rapid, the rear right wheel had a rotational squeak which I thought might be a bearing, I was waiting for a break in our workload before I repaired it, and surprisingly it suddenly just went away, I think it may have been the tyre settling onto the wheel after maybe a kerb nudge.

Hi Hutch with us having the same mobility scooter i still think it a bearing that gone

 

[Beachball]

Before jumping to the conclusion its the bearing, be certain that is the source. My wifes wheelchair had a squeak that matched the wheel speed, and it seemed reasonable the bearing may to be blame, lubrication didn't work because it wasn't the roller bearing, it was the actually the axle shaft, which had a quick release system to allow the wheels to be removed. Not necessarily applicable to the mobility scooter, but it pays to keep an open mind.

Generally if a bearing does need to be replaced, any competent mechanical DIYer should be ok, so unless there is still a manufacturers warranty in force it doesn't need to be done by the shop.

This information i will make a note of for my wheelchair so thanks for your input

 

[Beachball]

I have now booked it in with the dealer they are coming out to pick it up and do a annual service and they will check the back wheel .as well.

 

[Dustydog]

I have now booked it in with the dealer they are coming out to pick it up and do an annual service and they will check the back wheel .as well.

Please let us know the cause and cure👍

 

[Hutch]

I have now booked it in with the dealer they are coming out to pick it up and do a annual service and they will check the back wheel .as well.

I really don't know what they are going to check on an annual check on your Chariot. I hope the charge isn't too high.

 

[Dustydog]

I really don't know what they are going to check on an annual check on your Chariot. I hope the charge isn't too high.

Itoo wondered Hutch. Apparently a lot more than we thought! Even longer than my VW service list🥴🥴

What checks are carried out during a full service?​

• Check condition of tyres
• Check and adjust tyre pressures
• Check rear safety casters
• Remove wheels and grease shafts
• Check and tighten wheel nuts
• Check free-wheel mechanism
• Check and adjust brakes
• Check chassis and lubricate release mechanism
• Check/adjust and lubricate steering column
• Check indicators and hazards
• Check steering column comfort adjust mechanism
• Check/adjust and lubricate steering track rods
• Check/adjust and lubricate suspension
• Remove seat, check pole mount and grease pole
• Check and lubricate swivel, recline and forward/back
• Full battery discharge test
• Check charger output
• Road test
• Tighten battery connections
• Check fuses
• Check safety cut-out
• Check general condition of all cables and shrouds
• Check motor brushes
• Check forward reverse levers
• Check speed adjuster
• Check ignition switch and lubricate
• Check horn
• Check lights

 

[Hutch]

Itoo wondered Hutch. Apparently a lot more than we thought! Even longer than my VW service list🥴🥴

What checks are carried out during a full service?​

• Check condition of tyres
• Check and adjust tyre pressures
• Check rear safety casters
• Remove wheels and grease shafts
• Check and tighten wheel nuts
• Check free-wheel mechanism
• Check and adjust brakes
• Check chassis and lubricate release mechanism
• Check/adjust and lubricate steering column
• Check indicators and hazards
• Check steering column comfort adjust mechanism
• Check/adjust and lubricate steering track rods
• Check/adjust and lubricate suspension
• Remove seat, check pole mount and grease pole
• Check and lubricate swivel, recline and forward/back
• Full battery discharge test
• Check charger output
• Road test
• Tighten battery connections
• Check fuses
• Check safety cut-out
• Check general condition of all cables and shrouds
• Check motor brushes
• Check forward reverse levers
• Check speed adjuster
• Check ignition switch and lubricate
• Check horn
• Check lights

Well you can right of 70 % of that lot for a Pride Rapide, tyres are solid, no greasing on anything, no adjustment on suspension, no cables, no brakes, except electronic motor. Should take no more than 30 minutes and say no. More cost than an MOT, for a car.

 

[Dustydog]

Well you can right of 70 % of that lot for a Pride Rapide, tyres are solid, no greasing on anything, no adjustment on suspension, no cables, no brakes, except electronic motor. Should take no more than 30 minutes and say no. More cost than an MOT, for a car.

We called it a licence to print money🤪

 

[Buckman]

In all the years I have had a mobility scooter, I have neve found a need to service any of them and it was not a requirement either as nothing to service.

 

[Beachball]

I really don't know what they are going to check on an annual check on your Chariot. I hope the charge isn't too high.

They said £25 for a service so i think that reasonable

 

[Jcloughie]

They said £25 for a service so i think that reasonable

Cheap as chips especially if they collect and return. Too cheap in fact.

I bought mine 2nd hand. About 18 months old. I have the receipts, there was a 1 year service and a pre sale service. Both cost £65. I have zero faith in them as there is so little to service that cannot be covered by common sense. However, most people who use them cannot do their own even if they want to. So they are a captive punter.

Despite my scooter having had two services, the safety casters had not been mounted properly from new. How could they miss that.

I know I tend to be cynical and untrusting regarding any servicing. But once (or more) bitten!!!


John

 

[ProfJohnL]

As Jcloughie points out , servicing is one of those issues about which the consumer often has little knowledge, and yet warranties often demand that its carried out.

If its to satisfy a warranty condition, there should be a schedule of of checks and items to be changed or adjusted.

Its your property and your paying for the work so you should be entitled to know exactly what's been done and what should have been done, You should also see any results or reports made to the manufacturer.

 

[Dustydog]

Lest we forget people like a lot of us on here are technically savvie . Our buggy is no longer needed. It needed a few fixes like new batteries, throttle control. Tools used over 18 months Phillips and flat screw drivers. Assorted sockets . New double stick Velcro and most importantly the multi meter.
People who are. seriously disabled rely on the local buggy firms to keep them mobile👏👏

 

[Jcloughie]

People who are. seriously disabled rely on the local buggy firms to keep them mobile👏👏

I totally agree. My issue is. there are people who rely on getting good service. But the quality, knowledge, and ability are so often sadly missing.

It is doubly frustrating when the customer does have the expertise but now lacks the ability.

I am talking about servicing in general.

I am sure there are many good, honest, and knowledgeable. firms out there. But in my experience. Also too many cowboys.

John

 

[Dustydog]

Burton Bradstock Dorset National Trust beach offer members an electric mobility scooter to explore the trodden paths which may be too difficult for those with health issues. Never seen it before . Good on them👏👏👏

 

[Buckman]

Burton Bradstock Dorset National Trust beach offer members an electric mobility scooter to explore the trodden paths which may be too difficult for those with health issues. Never seen it before . Good on them👏👏👏

Same at Brean. They use the AWD Tramper mobility scooter. I have no idea how much it would cost to hire for the day.

 

[Mr Grumpy]

Same at Brean. They use the AWD Tramper mobility scooter. I have no idea how much it would cost to hire for the day.

Nothing! Nix! Nada! Buckshee!
National Trust doesn't charge. It does rather depend on availability as to how long you can borrow them for.

 

[Dustydog]

You must be a member

 

[Jcloughie]

For those in the South West, this may be of interest.

Welcome to Countryside Mobility | Countryside Mobility

www.countrysidemobility.org

I have not used them yet but will try soon.

John