Bicycle Mechanics - Drum brake and 3-speed-oil issues with Sturmey-Archer?

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Airburst
11-21-11, 10:51 AM
I have a Sturmey-Archer XRD-3 which I'm thinking of converting to oil lubrication, but I'm a little worried about oil leakage into the brake drum. Is there something in the design of the hub to prevent this? I've definitely seen an old SA advert for a drum brake 3-speed hub with an oil cap in it, so presumeably there is, but I thought I'd check anyway.

Thanks in advance.

FBinNY
11-21-11, 09:19 PM
The British built SA drum hubs were oil lubed, using grease only for the ball bearings and dust seal. the drum side was isolated from the gear side and oil wouldn't get there unless it was over-oiled like crazy.

I don't know if they are making drum hubs in Taiwan, but if so, It's a fair bet that the brake area is likewise isolated.
Airburst
11-22-11, 02:22 AM
That's good news, thanks!

jolly_ross
11-22-11, 06:14 AM
Interested in exactly this mod. My winter MTB has an xrd-3 - predictably the grease inside has turned to marmite. Post with news about how it goes?