Bicycle Mechanics - Sturmey Archer stripdown...

I've just got my hands on 2 Sturmey Archer FW's, an FM and an S5. The axle seems to spin okay on the FW's/FM, but it is completely stuck on the S5. I was contemplating stripping them down, cleaning them up and replacing anything that might need replacing, but...

1. Is it relatively easy to strip down these models to their component parts? (I've read the AW is reasonably simple to disassemble/reassemble, but are these hubs any different?)

2. If anything does need replacing, will it be particularly difficult to find the part I'm after for these ol' hubs?

Further more, if anyone has any walkthrough/step by step kind of instructions for doing this, they'd be most appreciated ;)

There is a specific site for this stuff. Try a search in the Mechanics forum for the past two or three months for '3-speed,' or 'Sturmey-Archer.' Someone posted a link to a very instructive site for these things: step by step pics and everything. Don't just do it, though, because my understanding is that there are a lot of little and unique pieces in them.

Nice login name, BTW.

I've just got my hands on 2 Sturmey Archer FW's, an FM and an S5. The axle seems to spin okay on the FW's/FM, but it is completely stuck on the S5. I was contemplating stripping them down, cleaning them up and replacing anything that might need replacing, but...

1. Is it relatively easy to strip down these models to their component parts? (I've read the AW is reasonably simple to disassemble/reassemble, but are these hubs any different?)

2. If anything does need replacing, will it be particularly difficult to find the part I'm after for these ol' hubs?

Further more, if anyone has any walkthrough/step by step kind of instructions for doing this, they'd be most appreciated ;)

That hub with the stuck axle - what possible good is it to you the way that it is now? If you botch up an attempted repair what have you lost? I don't see how you can possibly not learn something from the process. Sometimes I think that it's better to fail than it is not to try.

they aren't mutch harder than an AW in terms of breaking them down and building them back up, just make sure you don't lose anything! tony hadland's site has the '55 catolog on pdf.

http://www.toehead.plus.com/stmain.htm
Jane Thomas' site includes walkthroughs of general SA interest, and a bit about FWs. May be of some help.
Jane Thomas is awesome for keeping that site going. I salute her.

Doesn't anyone recall that site with actual step-by-step photos of dismantling a 3-speed hub? I don't know of what models, but it was here.

Might want to post on the vintage thread, lots of SA afficionados there.

I've just got my hands on 2 Sturmey Archer FW's, an FM and an S5. The axle seems to spin okay on the FW's/FM, but it is completely stuck on the S5. I was contemplating stripping them down, cleaning them up and replacing anything that might need replacing, but...

1. Is it relatively easy to strip down these models to their component parts? (I've read the AW is reasonably simple to disassemble/reassemble, but are these hubs any different?)

2. If anything does need replacing, will it be particularly difficult to find the part I'm after for these ol' hubs?

Further more, if anyone has any walkthrough/step by step kind of instructions for doing this, they'd be most appreciated ;)

See: http://sheldonbrown.com/sturmey-archer/fw.htm for info on the FW. The S-5 is almost identical to the FW. This section is a work in progress but should get you through.

This job is a LOT easier than people who haven't tried it will tell you.

Most parts are available at http://harriscyclery.com/sturmey

Sheldon "Epicyclic" Brown
+----------------------------------------------------------+
| Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when |
| they do it from religious conviction. -- Blaise Pascal |
+----------------------------------------------------------+

I found a copy of "Glenn's Complete Bicycle Manual", circa 1973, by Harold T. Glenn Paid $2 for it at a local used bookstore. It has disassembly, cleaning, lubing, and assembly info (step-by-step with photo's) plus exploded views of the Sturmrey hubs (and many other's). Maybe you could scare up a copy online?

Doesn't anyone recall that site with actual step-by-step photos of dismantling a 3-speed hub? I don't know of what models, but it was here.

Here is the site:http://www.karrot.org/ascotto/three_speed/

It is for AW's only, but it's very good.

Here is the site:http://www.karrot.org/ascotto/three_speed/

It is for AW's only, but it's very good.

Yeah, that's it--nice one, jcm. I checked it out, and it made me want to go find an SA hub just to take a gander inside.

Good luck on the overhaul, OP.

Yeah, that's it--nice one, jcm. I checked it out, and it made me want to go find an SA hub just to take a gander inside.

Good luck on the overhaul, OP.

Turned me into a 3-speed fan. That, and Lord Sheldon of Brown. :)

That hub with the stuck axle - what possible good is it to you the way that it is now? If you botch up an attempted repair what have you lost? I don't see how you can possibly not learn something from the process. Sometimes I think that it's better to fail than it is not to try.

Of course it's no good to me as it is now, but I'd rather go into a repair/maintenance job with some knowledge of what I'm doing, rather than pull it apart and end up going "oh well, I haven't really lost anything", when perhaps I have ;)

Sensible, no?

Thanks jcm. That's the link I was looking for too. I guess I'm just 10 months behind you highlyselassie.

Having taken apart an AW three speed, and successfully reassembled it (i.e. no bits left over), I must admit it seems a lot more terrifying than it really is. You may find these tips helpful, 'cos I certainly did!

First prepare a clean, even work area about 1 sq meter in size, with raised edges to prevent things from rolling off. Covering this with newspaper helps, as it is easier to see the dark coloured parts.

Keep note of what order things come apart, as this is typically how they go back together again.

There is technical documentation for the s5 at:
http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~hadland/samaintind.htm

It is in pdf form, and has an exploded view and instructions for taking it apart.

Good luck...

Go to the local library and see if they have or can get an older Sutherland's Handbook. I think it's no.5. It has a compresive article on rebuilding a SA hub.