skydive69

I run Zipp 404s on my road bike and a Zipp 808 front on my TT bike. Neither front wheel has more than 500-600 miles. I notice that particularly when climbing out of the seat, leaned out over the bike, both wheels seem to make a lot of rattling or clakking sound. The local wrench says it is just the little carbon disk that is loose on the left side of the hubs that make the sound. Another local, however, who is a very successful racer who runs Zipp 404s claims that it is the bearings that need service. It is difficult to believe that two wheels that are so new would have bearing issues, but whatever the noise is, I find it bothersome. There is no noise in just normal fast riding. Any insight into this would be appreciated.

soccerismylife

I have Zipp 404s also and I have put over 700 miles on them this season. Ironically, I also just noticed that sound on a ride today. When I got home I inspected the wheels and I found that those two little carbon disks (I guess they're supposed to keep junk out of the bearings) are bent and are rubbing on the hub. This is just my observation so I will take them into a shop because this might be a potential problem.

skydive69

I just went to look at mine. The one on the right seems flush, but the one on the right is slightly wobbly. Hopefully the mechanics take on the problem is the answer. Let me know, BTW, what you find out.

I love the Zipp wheels. My TT wheelset is the 999 with the 808 on front and disk on the rear. The first time I raced the wheelset, I looked down, and was startled to see that I was doing over 30 and feeling too good for that speed. Knowing that I could never hold that speed for the whole trial, and knowing that even pace seems to work best, I slowed back to my target speed. Those things get going and they just don't want to stop!

BikeInMN

Easy to fix. Go to the Zipp website for step by step instructions on how to reset the carbon dust covers. It's simple and takes virtually 0 mechanical skills.

https://www.zipp.com/support/maintenance_and_repair/faq/

merlinextraligh

+1. But the dust covers make one sound, climbing out of the saddle putting pressure on the front hub can make another. My LBS got rid of a creaking noise in climbig out of the saddle with my Zipp 404's (which i could have sworn was coming from the BB) by putting grease between the axle and the QR skewer, and underneath the dust cap cover.

TheKillerPenguin

If you can't figure out how to fix it, I'd be willing to take your broken wheel off you for, say, $50.

skydive69

Thanks for the URL, and Merlin, while I am at it I will probably use your fix also. It does however make one wonder why such expensive wheels are not a bit more bulletproof in that the factory is obviously aware of the issue and mine are recently off the production line.

No Penquin!

Moto Ace

The local wrench is right.