Shimano’s newest EP8 electrical bike motor, fitted to a number of manufacturers’ bikes, is reported to undergo from a producing defect that may trigger the bottom bracket axle or spindle to develop cracks “with use and exposure to the elements”, and if left unchecked can ultimately fail.
These findings are the results of an independently commissioned investigation by e*13, after the model turned conscious of experiences that EP8 spindles had been failing on bikes fitted with its ebike cranks.
e*13 is likely one of the greatest OEM suppliers of cranks on electrical mountain bikes. The model was made conscious of failures occurring when the EP8 motor is used with pedal cranks made by manufacturers apart from Shimano, together with e*13’s e*spec ebike-specific cranks.
The investigation has led e*13 to supply technical service bulletin 157 (TSB), revealed on its web site on 14 October 2021. The model suggests EP8 homeowners ought to examine their motor’s spindles for injury or cracks originating from the drilled gap used for the pedal crank retainer hook, situated on the splined portion of the axle.
According to e*13, the protection inspection is related to all EP8 homeowners, no matter what cranks are fitted.
“e*thirteen’s analysis suggests that some Shimano EP8 spindles may have manufacturing defects which, over time, can develop into cracks with use and exposure to the elements,” reads TSB 157.
In the bulletin, e*13 states it stands by its merchandise and is “confident that our pedal cranks are not the source of the issue”.
According to the TSB, solely Shimano’s EP8 motor is affected. It claims there have been no reported failures of Shimano’s E7000 and E8000 motor spindles, even when used with the identical e*spec ebike cranks.
Muddying the waters
An additional TSB that refers to each Shimano’s EP8 motor and e*spec ebike cranks additionally exists on the model’s web site.
TSB 156 addresses a reported concern the place the crank preload finish cap can loosen and fall off, ultimately inflicting the pedal cranks to change into indifferent from the bottom-bracket spindle.
This happens if the cap just isn’t accurately tightened or the factory-fitted threadlock hasn’t been adequately utilized, and if the crank arm’s pinch bolts aren’t tightened to their appropriate torque.
![ethirteen espec electric mountain bike cranks preload cap ethirteen espec electric mountain bike cranks preload cap](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2022/03/ethirteen-espec-electric-mountain-bike-cranks-preload-cap-76d6f64.jpeg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413)
To rectify the problem, TSB 156 recommends homeowners apply the proper threadlock to the preload bolt, enhance bolt torque for each the preload and pinch bolts, and take away the crank’s inside seal to extend the crank and spindle spline interface and cut back the possibilities of false torque readings for the preload cap.
e*13 claims this concern has been “misinterpreted by some to mean there is a failure of one or more system components”.
Reading between the traces, we suspect the misinterpretation e*13 is referring to is concerning the EP8 bottom bracket axle spindle failure famous in TSB 157.
However, the model refutes a hyperlink between the preload caps undoing and any ensuing injury to system parts in TSB 156, after which goes on to affirm e*13 parts aren’t the supply of any failures in TSB 157.
“That is not the case, but all cranks should be checked for proper tightness before riding, and initial installations procedures should be updated,” reads TSB 156.
Reports of EP8 spindle failures on-line
![Shimano EP8 electronic bike motor spindle failure-6 Shimano EP8 electronic bike motor spindle failure](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2022/02/Shimano-EP8-electronic-bike-motor-spindle-failure-6-694bb5e.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413)
The most outstanding experiences of EP8 axle failure exist on two EMTB discussion board threads. One proprietor experiences a driveside failure on a Commencal Meta Power, the opposite on an Orbea Rise on the non-driveside. Both bikes had been fitted with e*13 cranks.
Elsewhere on the discussion board, some riders report e*13 pedal cranks falling off the EP8 bottom bracket spindle (right here and right here), the precise concern TSB 156 addresses.
It seems customers on the discussion board correlated the crank preload concern with EP8 spindle failure, which e*13 went on to refute in TSB 157.
In a closed Facebook group referred to as Shimano EP8 Owners, there are additionally experiences of EP8 spindle failures.
What do Shimano and e*13 say about these failures?
![Shimano EP8 electric bike motor spindle crack Shimano EP8 electric bike motor spindle crack](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2022/03/Shimano-EP8-electric-bike-motor-spindle-crack-b796a4f.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413)
We requested Shimano and e*13 for touch upon the spindle cracking concern. Both manufacturers had been completely happy to reply to our enquiry, and Shimano is conscious that e*13 has introduced this concern to its consideration.
Shimano’s overarching recommendation is for customers to solely use Shimano-approved pedal cranks on its EP8 motors.
“Shimano advises that only approved crank arms should be used with its DU-EP8 drive units,” reads Shimano’s assertion.
“Approved crank arms are listed at si.shimano.com and are communicated towards bicycle manufacturers. These combinations meet our strict and exacting quality standards. Our drive units are not tested for use with third party crank arms.”
![Shimano EP8 electronic bike motor spindle failure-5 Shimano EP8 electronic bike motor spindle failure FC-EM600 pedal cranks](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2022/02/Shimano-EP8-electronic-bike-motor-spindle-failure-5-a681e9c.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413)
The solely Shimano-approved pedal cranks listed on Shimano’s web site are the FC-EM600, FC-M8150 and FC-EM900, all of that are in the stores aftermarket from numerous retailers.
Meanwhile, e*13’s response locations the ball firmly in Shimano’s courtroom.
“When we see failures like this, it is incumbent on us to find the root cause and, if it is within our control, provide a resolution,” reads e*13’s assertion.
“To replicate area failures, we needed to look outdoors of the required ISO and EN testing necessities as these exams had been handed efficiently. In the tip, our check knowledge helps that the basis trigger just isn’t e*13 cranks as Shimano has indicated.
“This knowledge covers complete third celebration metallurgical evaluation along with outcomes from a rigorous check battery of corrosion testing mixed with ISO Fatigue. We have shared the outcomes with Shimano and choose OEM clients.
“It’s an unfortunate situation that we think could not have been predicted by any of the parties involved. e*thirteen is at the table with bike brands to find a mutually acceptable solution that first takes care of keeping people on their bikes. We hope Shimano will join us at that table soon.”
![Shimano EP8 electronic bike motor spindle failure-4 Shimano EP8 electronic bike motor spindle failure e*thirteen e*spec Plus pedal cranks](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2022/02/Shimano-EP8-electronic-bike-motor-spindle-failure-4-7a163af.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413)
Essentially, e*13 is standing by the findings revealed in TSB 157, detailed above, and means that if a client experiences a failure of this nature they need to contact their bike’s level of sale to get the problem rectified.
Given the element revealed in e*13’s TSB 157, we wished to offer Shimano the chance to current its facet of the story, and ask some additional questions. Shimano’s solutions to our questions are revealed under verbatim.
What can customers count on to occur if their EP8’s spindle fails?
“The reported cases of drive unit spindle breakages on our DU-EP800 drive units were combined with non-Shimano cranks. We recommend only Shimano cranks for usage with our drive units. The question of what happens with this combination is for the manufacturer of that combination to answer.”
What would occur if a client seen their axle was cracked in the way in which described on e*13’s TSB?
“If consumers use the recommended cranks, there should not be any issue – this combination meets our strict and exacting quality standards. If in doubt about such components, we recommend speaking to your bicycle manufacturer.”
What is Shimano’s tackle e*13’s metallurgic evaluation findings?
“The metallurgic analysis was conducted to discover root cause. The cause is due to the difference in design from Shimano’s crank, which causes increased stress around the spindle hole.”
Does Shimano know why the spindles are snapping?
“Yes, we understand how and why spindle breakage may occur when some non-Shimano cranks are used with our DU-EP800 drive unit. Non-recommended 3rd party cranks can make a crack in the spindle because the difference in design from Shimano’s crank causes increased stress around the spindle hole. Under this condition, with each ride the crack can expand, and this can result in a spindle breakage.”
How many cases of this downside has Shimano encountered?
“There are no reported cases of spindle breakage of DU-EP800 when assembled with Shimano’s cranks. Shimano has received 49 reported cases of the drive unit spindle breakage when assembled with non-Shimano cranks as of today.”
![Merida eOne-Sixty-6 Merida eOne-Sixty electric mountain bike with Shimano DU-EP800 motor](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2020/08/Merida-eOne-Sixty-6-17474d4.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413)
In abstract, Shimano is conscious of EP8 motor spindle failure, and is correlating the problem instantly with the set up and use of third-party cranks.
Shimano additionally claims this concern is totally remoted to non-Shimano cranks, stating it’s conscious of 49 reported instances of spindle failure.
According to Shimano, design variations between Shimano and non-Shimano cranks trigger the axle to crack and ultimately fail. Shimano doesn’t state what these design variations are, nonetheless.
Like e*13, Shimano seems to agree that if a client had been to undergo spindle failure they need to converse on to whoever they purchased their bike from, suggesting any motor alternative or restore prices would must be coated by the bike producer that determined to spec an EP8 motor with e*13 cranks.
Why aren’t bike testers reporting this?
![2022 Yeti 160E T1 electric mountain bike-51 2022 Yeti 160E T1 electric mountain bike](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2021/12/2022-Yeti-160E-T1-electric-mountain-bike-51-7f47855.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413)
As mentioned in e*13’s TSB 157, the cracking and eventual failure of EP8 spindles is one thing that occurs over time by way of repeated use.
We suspect the quantity of using required to duplicate this downside far exceeds the variety of kilometres a median bike tester will do on any given mannequin.
Bikes despatched in for testing are normally fastidiously ready by manufacturers to choose up any meeting points, after which are checked earlier than testing by in-house mechanics or the testers themselves.
We’re presently testing three bikes with Shimano’s EP8 motor and a type of has simply over 800km on the odometer. However, all are fitted with Shimano cranks. We’ve checked every of their axle spindles and might verify none are exhibiting any indicators of cracking or injury.
What must you do when you have e*13 cranks in your EP8 motor?
![Shimano EP8 electronic bike motor spindle failure-3 Shimano EP8 electronic bike motor spindle failure e*thirteen e*spec Plus pedal cranks](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2022/02/Shimano-EP8-electronic-bike-motor-spindle-failure-3-cc46735.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413)
Any rider who owns an ebike with an EP8 motor fitted with e*13 cranks presently has two choices.
They ought to comply with the steerage in e*13’s TSB 156, which reveals how one can accurately safe the pedal cranks to the bike, and what to do so as to confirm your EP8 axle spindle is undamaged.
A client may additionally resolve to take away the e*13 cranks and substitute them with a mannequin formally licensed by Shimano to be used with the EP8.
Regular motor inspections and common servicing must be carried out on the bike as per the producer’s suggestions to assist spot any potential injury earlier than it results in failure.
What must you do if you happen to uncover your EP8 motor’s spindle is cracked or broken?
If you uncover injury in your EP8 spindle, you must cease using the bike instantly. Riding it additional may end in a critical accident or harm if one of many system’s parts fails.
Both Shimano and e*13 advocate that you just contact the place of buy, which can be best-placed to analyze whether or not the failure is roofed underneath both Shimano’s or the bike producer’s guarantee.
What are the bike manufacturers saying about this?
![Commencal Meta Power TR Ride Sand electric mountain bike Commencal Meta Power TR Ride Sand electric mountain bike](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2022/03/Commencal-Meta-Power-TR-Ride-Sand-electric-mountain-bike-5071c50.jpg?quality=90&resize=619%2C413)
e*13 cranks are generally specced on electrical mountain bikes fitted with Shimano EP8 motors, by bike manufacturers together with Commencal, Marin, Orange and Orbea, amongst others.
We acquired in contact with a number of manufacturers to search out out in the event that they knew concerning the concern, whether or not they had been going to proceed to spec the e*13 cranks with EP8 motors, and what a buyer may count on to occur in the event that they encountered this concern.
Commencal – which has bought quite a lot of its Meta Power electrical bikes with an EP8 motor and e*13 crank mixture – replied to our inquiries.
The model instructed us it was conscious of the spindle concern and has been involved with each Shimano and e*13 about it.
“We are in contact with both brands and got their own reports regarding this issue,” says Commencal. “[The] topic has been closed from Shimano[‘s] side but e*thirteen is still investigating with independent labs.”
The model says that as quickly because it started listening to about spindle failures, it stopped speccing bikes which can be fitted with EP8 motors with e*13 cranks.
“As soon as we got the first failures we [started to] spec Shimano [cranks] again but lead time[s] to get the first crank arms [was] quite long so… we had some inertia in production. All bikes [have been] assembled with Shimano cranks since 2021 April.”
As of April 2021, all of Commencal’s EP8-equipped bikes have been specced with Shimano cranks, however this transformation has taken a while to filter by way of to customers due to the time it takes for totally constructed bikes to get to the store ground.
For customers who do have an EP8-equipped Commencal with e*13 cranks, the Andorran model is providing to interchange the e*13 cranks with Shimano ones, no matter whether or not they’ve skilled points with their EP8 spindle or not.
![Commencal Meta Power SX Ride electric mountain bike Commencal Meta Power SX Ride electric mountain bike](https://images.immediate.co.uk/production/volatile/sites/21/2022/03/Commencal-Meta-Power-SX-Ride-electric-mountain-bike-61716b1.jpg?quality=90&resize=620%2C413)
“We have Shimano crank arms in stock, and every customer contacting us from now can get them for free and save some troubles with their spindle,” says Commencal. “We will have them soon available in all our subsidiaries (Canada, USA, Chile, Australia, NZ and Reunion Island) to reach all our customers worldwide.”
If a Commencal buyer has been unlucky sufficient to expertise the EP8 spindle failure this text is discussing, the model instructed us its guarantee programme means Commencal would assume all accountability for getting the client’s bike working once more.
“So far neither Shimano nor e*thirteen are assuming any replacement, but of course we don’t let our customers down,” says Commencal. We purchased drive items and crank arms, we’re changing at our price all broken components and are overlaying labor [and] delivery prices which may happen. This is a part of our COMMENCAL Care program, we contemplate a guaranty case should not have any price in any respect for any of our clients.”
This, in fact, is nice information for Commencal clients with EP8 drive items and e*13 cranks, and we’re hopeful different manufacturers will comply with swimsuit.
If the opposite manufacturers we contacted reply to our enquiries, we are going to make sure you replace this text.
If you’ve skilled a Shimano EP8 bottom bracket spindle failure, tell us within the feedback under.