Bicycle Mechanics - Sturmey Archer 5-speed hub S-RF5(W) only shifting between 2 and 3.

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Scheherezade
12-06-11, 09:41 PM
My S-RF5(W) can only shift between gears 2 and 3, despite the the indicator chain being able to freely move in and out of the axle throughout the entire pull of my 5-speed barcon.

The problem began this week (when the weather started to dip significantly below freezing.)

Any suggestions?

Mr IGH
12-07-11, 06:07 AM
This is where mine was, I pulled it apart to clean and re-lube. All I wanted to do was dip the assembly in solvent and then dip in oil but the indicator came out. So I had to dis-assemble everything, except the planetary gears aren't indexed. Now it sounds all grindy. Good luck!
JohnDThompson
12-07-11, 08:57 AM
First things first: does the cable move freely in the cold? If not, lube or replace the cable. If it does, the problem is likely in the hub. Before you pull it all apart, take out the indicator chain and squirt some WD-40 or light oil into the hub to help free up the innards. If that works, you're golden. If not, open the hub and give it a good cleaning. Re-lubricate with a light grease or oil.

Scheherezade
12-07-11, 10:02 AM
First things first: does the cable move freely in the cold? If not, lube or replace the cable. If it does, the problem is likely in the hub. Before you pull it all apart, take out the indicator chain and squirt some WD-40 or light oil into the hub to help free up the innards. If that works, you're golden. If not, open the hub and give it a good cleaning. Re-lubricate with a light grease or oil.

Yup, the cable moves freely.

I'll squirt some oil into the hub when I get home. I believe this model doesn't have an opening for oil on the hub body. Is it ok to squirt oil into the axle hole?
bikeman715
12-07-11, 01:36 PM
Yes , It ok to drip oil into the axle hole .
fietsbob
12-07-11, 02:11 PM
+1, remove the indicator chain, there is the hollow axle to put the oil in the interior then.

It's much more simple to remove the hub cones, and Grease the axle bearings.

The grease also helps keep the Oil in so as to coat the gears, and planetary bushing.

Phil Tenacious Oil was handy. that is what I used [AW3 hub]
Scheherezade
12-11-11, 04:14 PM
So, I shot some WD-40 into the axle hole, but that didn't affect the functioning at all after a few days.

So, I decided to take it all apart to clean out and winterize. I pretty much have it all clean and drying right now. Should I oil bath pretty much everything and grease the wheel bearings? Should I grease the bearings that run along the bullring or use oil? Right now, I have 10W-40 oil in the garage.

I've also attached a picture of my progress.

Cheers.