How to install a bicycle dynamo?
Hey guys, there's something wrong with my dynamo. When I activate the dynamo, it grinds against the rims, and I can't seem to solve the problem. Do you have any ideas?
This is what it looks like deactivated. (No looping)
And activated it like this. I really have no idea how to solve this problem.
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Screw the dynamo to the bracket from the inside, not from the outside.
Bend the bracket on the fork inward a little bit. Then it should work.
With or without a washer?
With washer.
The entire dynamo is held in place by this single screw, which is why even the slightest impact can knock it out of place. That's why a tension washer is usually included to ensure a more secure fit. It should be located either under the screw head or under the locknut. You can also add a washer on both sides.
I mounted it inwards, it still rubs against the rims 🙁
Against the rim? Then you'll need to position the screw higher in the slotted hole of the braze-on part on the frame.
Loosen, move higher, tighten there.
I think so too in the meantime
I HAVE TRIED ALL POSSIBILITIES IN PRACTICE!!!!
I think I'll go to the bike shop.. 🙁
Trying it online might be the wrong way to go.
I've already bent it more or less correctly, does it have to be completely straight?
The dynamo body is rubbing against the rather deep rim flank, not the friction wheel. That's his problem. It can certainly be bent into place somehow, literally.
I've already tightened it all the way up.
Normally, a dynamo shouldn't rotate that far when activated. In your case, it's 90°.
Therefore, the wheel and dynamo head must be closer together when deactivated.
But I wouldn't use such a dynamo again.
So, I took a look at the dynamo from underneath, and mine looks perfectly fine. It doesn't look like it's broken. I've removed the washer so the dynamo head and wheel are closer together, but unfortunately that didn't help either; it's still rattling.
You could gain 2 millimeters if you mount the dynamo bracket on the inside of the brazing tab on the frame.
I would also press the dynamo against the frame with some force when it is deactivated, thereby bending the mounting bracket slightly.
Yes, I did it, but it didn't help. Should I perhaps record a video?
Yes, the dynamo should be screwed onto the inside of the brazing tab on the frame.
Wait, what? I'm not getting anything right now. I'm supposed to mount the dynamo inside? So, like this? https://workupload.com/file/NTAb4Q6L8yQ
https://workupload.com/archive/RQQsaBypG3
The mount on the frame has an elongated opening for the screw. So you just need to screw the dynamo into place.
I'll look at it right away! Just a moment, please.
You can see the fastening in the photos!
Yes, thanks, but unfortunately that didn't help. No matter which position I attach the dynamo in the long opening, it rattles over and over again.
Of course, you had to first position it correctly and then screw it TIGHT!!! Oh my goodness… it's not rocket science.
There's not much to understand. It's bent, and you bend it straight again. If you screw it onto the bracket and it doesn't fit, the bending didn't work.
This is the first time I've gotten help with this issue. I've done it countless times: reseating spokes, checking and adjusting spoke tension, changing wheels, etc. I was a bit speechless, although, when it came to the dynamo, and I think until someone can take a look at the problem in person, no one will really understand what I'm having.
Yeah, yeah. Sura. I'd rather not put myself through that. I've been repairing my bikes without help for 40 years.
I've already bent it straight.. I have more tools than you think 😂 I've just never had to deal with anything like this.. but bending it straight didn't help either.. you have to be there in person to be able to judge it properly.
Have fun. If you can't straighten a bent dynamo, you probably don't even have the tools for it. A decent visa is a must.
Forget it, I'll keep going until I solve the problem!
Let it go. You're obviously overwhelmed and lacking in DIY skills. Just buy a new dynamo or a new bike.
I just bent it and mounted the dynamo from the inside, but nothing's working. I could upload a video so you might understand it better.
Do you think I could bend the bracket back?
Here are a few pictures.
https://workupload.com/archive/jQCnT59FGZ
Oh, I know what you mean.
Why did this sudden change of heart happen? I thought I was doing it wrong all along.
In your case, the entire dynamo bracket is bent because it was probably so loose at some point that it got caught while you were riding and dragged along by the rotating wheel.
You would either have to completely remove it and adjust the mount or buy a new one.
Oh no, that won't do any good. I've tried everything… absolutely EVERYTHING… every position, as tight as possible, mounting the dynamo inward and outward… with and without a washer, I've tried every possible combination, NOTHING WORKS. The way you describe it in theory sounds very simple, but when you try it in practice, it's completely different!
There's nothing to try. You loosen the screw enough to just hold the dynamo in place, then move it to the correct position with the dynamo activated so that it rubs against the lower tire and doesn't touch the rim, and then you tighten the screw again. It's a two-minute job.
https://workupload.com/archive/RQQsaBypG3
Have you ever considered that the dynamo opens too wide? When activated, it opens to 90 degrees.
Believe me, I've tried everything, nothing works!!!!!! Should I record a video so you'll believe me?
I don't understand what strange thing is screwed onto it. What is this shiny metal part I've marked in red? Does it belong to the dynamo?
Unfortunately, my suggestion involves some effort:
Get a front wheel with a hub dynamo and you won't have these kinds of problems anymore.
…
Do you perhaps have a solution to my problem?
With a hub dynamo, this problem will never occur again.