Two Ways to Fix Your Bafang Mid Drive Loose Motor

How to Fix a Loose or Hanging Bafang Mid-Drive Motor

Abbas from Golden Motor explains two effective ways to fix a loose or hanging Bafang mid-drive motor, which is a common issue caused by the high torque applied during riding.

The motor typically becomes loose over time because the stock mounting plate, which attaches the motor to the bottom bracket, isn’t strong enough to hold the motor tightly against the down tube. This mounting plate has teeth designed to grip the bottom bracket shell, but in many cases, it fails to maintain a secure fit, especially under heavy use like trail riding or jumps.

Solution 1: Use the Lekki One Nut

Lekki has designed a special one-nut replacement for the standard inner lock ring and outer lock ring. This one nut is made from stronger material and provides a much more secure fit by clamping onto the threads of the bottom bracket more firmly.

The Lekki one nut features two grub screws that press tightly against the motor shaft, preventing movement. It can be tightened to a torque between 50 to 60 newton meters, ensuring a solid hold.

For installation, you’ll need a bottom bracket socket tool. Abbas has a detailed video covering how to properly install the Lekki one nut, which is highly recommended to watch for best results.

Solution 2: Combine Lekki One Nut with a Stabilizing Bar

For riders who are very aggressive—like Abbas’s friend Momo, who takes the bike on rough trails and performs jumps—the Lekki one nut alone may not be enough. In such cases, a stabilizing bar can be used alongside the one nut for added security.

The stabilizing bar replaces the stock mounting plate entirely. This particular stabilizing bar works best for hardtail bikes; full suspension bikes require a different design.

Installation involves removing the cranks and the existing lock rings. The stabilizing bar is then positioned to fit snugly against either the chainstay, seat tube, or down tube, depending on clearance.

You remove the mounting plate bolts and replace the plate with the stabilizing bar, securing it with the original bolts. To further secure it, you can attach it with zip ties, hose clamps, or M6 bolts if your frame has threaded holes.

Installation Overview

After removing the cranks and the inner and outer lock rings, you place the stabilizing bar where there is optimal clearance. Often, the seat post area works well.

The stabilizing bar is secured with the original mounting plate bolts and additionally fastened with hose clamps for extra stability.

Finally, the Lekki one nut is installed and tightened, resulting in a motor that is rock solid and doesn’t move even under intense riding conditions.

If your mid-drive motor is becoming loose or hanging, using the Lekki one nut is an excellent first step. For more extreme riding, combining it with a stabilizing bar provides the strongest hold and peace of mind.

Abbas hopes this guide helps you fix motor looseness. For more information and installation tips, check out Golden Motor’s channel.