Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Bicycle Mechanics
Reload this Page >

3 speed hub (Sturmey Archer AW) difficult to spin, etc.

Notices
Bicycle Mechanics Broken bottom bracket? Tacoed wheel? If you're having problems with your bicycle, or just need help fixing a flat, drop in here for the latest on bicycle mechanics & bicycle maintenance.

3 speed hub (Sturmey Archer AW) difficult to spin, etc.

Old 04-25-07, 05:30 PM
  #1  
Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
rykoala's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 2,013
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts
3 speed hub (Sturmey Archer AW) difficult to spin, etc.

I got a hub from another BF member (Thanks!) at no cost, and am trying to piece it together. I have the whole hub and the shifter but no cable and no actuater and no drive side nut. I can source those parts, that is no big deal. The hub is not built in a wheel currently, but I will do that once I get the hub working. Currently there is no shift actuater in it (just the hole for it) and I read its supposed to be in 3rd gear if no shifter is in it. That seems to be working just fine. I held the axle with a crescent wrench and turned the hub and the gear spins slower and vice versa. So far so good.

Three questions:
1) The hub is *very* difficult to spin. Feels gritty. I will repack the wheel bearings and see if that settles it down. Is there any other reason for it to be that way? When simulating coasting it is still very gritty.
2) There seems to be *tons* of backlash, roughly 1/4 turn. Is that the standard?
5) The hub is quite dirty. I can clean the ousdie, but I can only imagine what the inside looks like. What is the best way to clean it out internally? Tear it apart and soak it in solvent or spray it down with carb cleaner? I will relube with motor oil.

Thanks folks!
rykoala is offline  
Old 04-25-07, 05:45 PM
  #2  
Your mom
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,546
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time in 1 Post
I just took one apart - it's not tough if you use Sheldon's instructions and a digital camera. The hub I have did not freewheel well before I disassembled. The treatment I tried was a bunch of oil to soak and running the wheel. Didn't help, but perhaps I was impatient. You'd be surprised how clean it is inside, even if it looks like hell on the outside.

Read Sheldon on repacking the bearings. You want to go in from the non-drive side, if I recall.
tellyho is offline  

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.