I have a self deploy ripe tide min kotta ulterra that’s maybe a year and a half old. Today while operating the unit it started making a grinding noise like bearings grinding in the gear drive area and as you would cut it sharp it got worse along with a click clack sound and sounds awful. Has anyone had this issue before. ?

Check for dirt dobber mud in head unit.. this caused me some problems.

I will look into it but it sounds like a bearing grinding.

Is it while trimming and stowing and/or deploying or when actually trolling with it? If when trimming, mine was making an awful noise and it was just a loose belt in the trim module.

No the noise doesn’t happen while stowing , deploying or trimming it’s happening while operating when turning its like a bearing grinding as it’s an awful noise at the base of the gear box on the bow.

I have the same trolling motor that you have. My unit started the third day I had it on my boat .. Just take it to the shop they will replace the driver motor no cost to you if it's under warranty.

there is a MinnKota FB page and many on there can help you out.

jig master I had to have same thing happened to me with my freshwater ulterra... I had to buy a lower unit because the old one took on water and rusted-out the double bearings.... it was a heck of a mess I believe it cost me about $512... Here is the video I did in case it helps...

Mine is maybe a year and a half old maybe.Im digging into to see if it’s still under warranty. I will say this tgat I’m not too impressed with the min kotta ulterra already having issues and I’ve read a lot of negative reviews about it..
I purchased it at marine land in Waco. along with the boat so I’m getting in touch with them on fixing it. I have the updated sealed gear box they designed layer on after they had issues with the old style getting wet. I de tach my unit and store it in my shop after every use. Again I’m not impressed with it already failing.

I'm in the market for a new TM and the reviews are horrible. I'm scared to pull the trigger on one right now. May have to add a few $$ and move up to a Ghost

An Ulterra with Link and MDI or MSI cost more then a Ghost

I've had my Ulterra over a year and no problems at all..... just keep it clean and your batteries charged..... The Link remote has to be charged on the way to the lake and would be my only complaint but that's not a big issue.....
That auto deploy and stow is a dream and makes launching a breeze.....