How to waterproof your wheel - reverse engineering EcoDrift's waterproofing

[Wise Rides]

Check out this waterproofing job from EcoDrift out of Russia.  Pretty amazing how much of the white compound they are using.  I would love to know what it is, along with what grease, sealant and varnish they're using.

 

 

 

 

[Wise Rides]

Did some research to figure out what waterproofing materials they're using in the EcoDrift video.  I looks like they're using a combination of the following:

• aerosol conforming coating which they spray on the motor coils, stator, and motor covers -
  • Example: CRC Urethane Seal Coat Viscous Liquid Coating, 250 Degree F Maximum Temperature, 11 oz Aerosol Can, Clear – 18411 
  • what I plan to use: CorrosionX Corrosion Technologies 90102 (16 oz aerosol) – Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Penetrant, Rust and Corrosion Preventative | Industrial Strength | Marine Grade | Cleans Lubricates Protects
    • there is a CorrosionX HD version that would also work well, and be safe for electronics
• potting or encapsulating compound for the batteries, main boards, and light board - probably a silicone or polyurethane compound, but it could be flexible epoxy. 
  • Examples:
  • Urethane: MG Chemicals 8800 Black Flexible Urethane, 2-Part Potting Compound, 375mL Kit; 
  • Silicone: MICROLUBROL SYLCAP 284-S Silicone Elastomer Encapsulant Kit, Transparent, Optically Clear, 10:1 Mix, 100 G (3.5 oz); or 
  • Epoxy: MG Chemicals - 832FX-450ML Black Flexible Epoxy Encapsulating and Potting Compound, 450 mL, 2-Part Kit
  • Silicone: SS-8113 2 Part Pourable Silicone Rubber For Potting And Encapsulation (from Silicone Solutions)
  paint on urethane or silicone conformal coating for the underside of the main board -
  • Example, urethane: MG Chemicals 4223-55ML Urethane Conformal Coating, 55 ml Bottle
  • Examples, Silicone: MG Chemicals - 422C-55MLCA 422C Silicone Conformal Coating 55 mL Bottle; 
• bearing grease - not sure what they are using in the video, any suggestions?
  • what I plan to use: CorrosionX Corrosion Technologies Grease 96801 (15 oz Tube) – NLGI #2 Premium High-Performance Grease | Multi-Purpose Use/Marine Grade Strength | Extreme Pressure Rated
• grease around the outside of the bearing before gasket is installed - not sure what type of grease they're using.  I would probably use a silicone or teflon based grease as I know it will be in contact with gasket which is either rubber, or in my case, TPU.  
  • what I plan to use: Super Lube 92003 Silicone Lubricating Grease with PTFE, 3 oz Tube, Translucent White
• sealant - probably a silicone based sealant
  • what I plan to use: Permatex 81173 Black Silicone Adhesive Sealant, 12.9 oz
• Bearing gasket and spacer:
  • https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4741590
  • Had these printed here: https://www.shapeways.com/
• Blue Loctite for the metal on metal screws; washers for the metal to plastic screws

What I don't know about in the video is whether they're using a grease on the outside of the motor covering or a sealant.  The video says grease but that doesn't make sense to me.  Wouldn't you want to seal the covers to prevent water intrusion?  Would grease to the same job?

For me, I'm going to forgo the potting compound as this seem excessive, adds weight, and is practically irreversible.   I don't mind using conformal coating on the electronics but I think CorrossionX HD will do the trick.  I do plan to do the “breather tube” as the vacuum effect of rapid pressure change inside the motor casing is likely drawing in moisture and dirt through the bearing and/or the casing when you drive in wet weather or through puddles.  I also plan on sealing battery case, battery covers, and the seems in the wheel well. 

Overall, the CorrosionX Multi-Purpose (in lieu of urethane aerosol), CorrosionX HD (for the electronics in lieu of conformal or potting compound) CorrosionX Grease, Super Lube Silicone Grease, Permatex Silicone Adhesive, and blue Loctite is about $112 US before tax on Amazon.  The bearing gasket and spacer were another $110 (much cheaper if you have your own 3d Printer).  So for about $220 and your time and labor you can probably create a very good waterproofing of your wheel, avoid screws coming loose prematurely, and possibly avoid the bearing failure issue altogether.  

It's a lot of work that should probably have been done at the factory, but this is EUC world and it's the price we pay for the fun!

Edited March 17, 2021 by Wise Rides

[z3n]

On 3/16/2021 at 8:52 AM, Wise Rides said:

Check out this waterproofing job from EcoDrift out of Russia.  Pretty amazing how much of the white compound they are using.  I would love to know what it is, along with what grease, sealant and varnish they're using.

 

 

Lol... watching only the first minute of the video already made me crazy! 

[Wise Rides]

7 hours ago, meepmeepmayer said:

@Wise Rides Feel free to post that great info in a separate topic about waterproofing! You're casting pearls before swine if you hide this fantastic information in this 140+ page megatopic.

We can also move your post into its own separate topic if you like.

Yes, please move it to a separate post on waterproofing.  Obviously, this is specific to the v11, but the materials and methods are applicable to any wheel.

6 hours ago, z3n said:

Lol... watching only the first minute of the video already made me crazy! 

I know, but it's great for seeing what they're doing!

[EMA]

On 3/16/2021 at 2:52 AM, Wise Rides said:

Check out this waterproofing job from EcoDrift out of Russia.  Pretty amazing how much of the white compound they are using.  I would love to know what it is, along with what grease, sealant and varnish they're using.

 

 

 

 

impressive

[Dan Cobar]

I would add dielectric grease to the electrical connectors.

Sometimes called 'tune up' grease at auto parts stores.

[drader]

Corrosion X is pretty magical in the world of RC electronics waterproofing. It's basically a "creeper oil"; spray it on and you can dunk your board in salt water.

[RagingGrandpa]

OK but... how do you change the tire?!

 

On 3/15/2021 at 9:52 PM, Wise Rides said:

 

 

[Mantraguy]

That wheel is never coming apart again! Not easily anyway. I'd be concerned about the sealant having an insulating effect on some of the electrical components that need air to cool properly. While I agree that our wheels should have better resistance to the ingress of water, I think that might be a bit overkill.

[Wise Rides]

I don't think you should seal the outer battery covers.  You need to take them off to change the tire.  Maybe a rubber or TPU gasket could be printed for that part.   

For the batteries, only a light bead of silicone sealant around the inside of the battery case is necessary.  You don't need to open the open up the case unless you're curious to see what the batteries look like or to inspect the battery control board.  That way, even if moisture made it through the outer shell, it won't make it's way to the batteries themselves.

 

[jimjam.nyc]

I am not so sure I would be too quick to do this to entire procedure to my wheel unless I was planning to take a swim with it. 

I would imagine this voids any warranty. So if you need anything replaced on the wheel for a failure other than water ingress you are prob screwed. 

They did an excellent job water proofing. Just seems a bit over the top for riding a wheel in some rain etc. I dont expect many people to need to submerge their wheel in water. 

There are some parts of this though that may be worth it to do. 

 

 

[yoos]

On 3/24/2021 at 3:01 AM, Mantraguy said:

I'd be concerned about the sealant having an insulating effect on some of the electrical components that need air to cool properly.

They say they are using a sealant with increased thermal conductivity so that cooling is improved. However, they do not specify whether it is improved as compared to using an inferior (thermally) sealant or compared to an unmodded wheel.

(I speak Russian but I am not connected to ecodrift in any way)

[Wise Rides]

Some conforming compound has thermal conductive properties, so that makes sense.  However, I'm going to use weather stripping around the battery compartment instead.  This should provide a layer of dust and water protection while also giving me the ability to take the wheel apart in the future. 

I plan to document my saga with a video (or two).  It won't be as involved as Ecodrift's procedure, but should still be effective.  My primary concern is for the bearings.  I will remove them and repack with a high-grade marine grease (corrossionX) as well as install a seal I found on Thingaverse.  If it goes well then I expect trouble free bearing for a good period of time even if the wheel gets caught in the rain or drives on wet roads. 

Keeping my fingers crossed, I have high hopes for the v11.  Despite the bearings, it's appears to be a great wheel.