late 70's Schwinn LeTour rear hub problems
10-26-09, 12:13 PM
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late 70's Schwinn LeTour rear hub problems
I have a late 70’s Schwinn LeTour with a arayo 27” aluminum rim with the (I believe) original hub that seems to be steel (rear wheelset). The spoke rims (part the inner spokes attach to) are separate from the center tube but it has balls not a cartridge type bearing. The problem is the spin on sprocket assembly does not turn true. The rim does. When I manually spin the sprockets (clicking sound) its true but when I ride the bike and look back I can see the sprocket assembly is turning cockeyed. The chain guard behind the sprocket is not touching the spokes..I believe if it were it might keep the sprockets lined up. On hubs that are one piece this can’t happen but since it is separate pieces it does because of wobble between the spoke wheel (which is attached to the sprocket mount) and the center tube. Is there anything about this that can be done short of replacing the hub or entire wheelset. Thanks...
10-26-09, 12:58 PM
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It may or not be an Araya rim, it's not a better one anyway. The entire design of those wheels is inferior. get a new wheel (used). Anything will work.
I could expound upon this but I do believe that you don't want a thousand words.
The balls spillin' -out alone, that design is grounds for imediate dismissal.
I've done a few bikes like that. The front wheels get the boot due to the spillage more often on non- Q-releas, other Asian built Scwhinns. When the rear has the problem as you have, they go too.
Some LeTours had those over the top ,HEAVY, ultra shiny STEEL Panasonic-built rims,
these were quite good.
Spread throughout the years and certain models had other steel and lesser alloy ones. It's your design though that aren't good, not once they're bad anyway; just not worth much servicing. You've already diagnosed it. The bike deserves better.
I'm not unsulting you, to the contrary, I'm giving you credit for deserving better. It'll be difficult to get 'em up to standards. It's the part of the bike to which you owe no loyalty. If you lived near me I'd give a wheel. Anyway 27s are cheap.
Maybe a close-by member here or the appropriate forum can provide. Wheels cost 20 to 30 each to ship or that much per pair, there's a current post on that as well. I've bought sets for $20 and have gotten some free. Some may disagree but I do believe that you'll reach the point of diminishing returns if.......
I could expound upon this but I do believe that you don't want a thousand words.
The balls spillin' -out alone, that design is grounds for imediate dismissal.
I've done a few bikes like that. The front wheels get the boot due to the spillage more often on non- Q-releas, other Asian built Scwhinns. When the rear has the problem as you have, they go too.
Some LeTours had those over the top ,HEAVY, ultra shiny STEEL Panasonic-built rims,
these were quite good.
Spread throughout the years and certain models had other steel and lesser alloy ones. It's your design though that aren't good, not once they're bad anyway; just not worth much servicing. You've already diagnosed it. The bike deserves better.
I'm not unsulting you, to the contrary, I'm giving you credit for deserving better. It'll be difficult to get 'em up to standards. It's the part of the bike to which you owe no loyalty. If you lived near me I'd give a wheel. Anyway 27s are cheap.
Maybe a close-by member here or the appropriate forum can provide. Wheels cost 20 to 30 each to ship or that much per pair, there's a current post on that as well. I've bought sets for $20 and have gotten some free. Some may disagree but I do believe that you'll reach the point of diminishing returns if.......
10-26-09, 01:02 PM
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10-30-09, 04:24 PM
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Thanks all of you..I replaced the defective hub with the hub that came on the original steel wheel (1973). This older hub is a one piece aluminum and quite rugged. The rim is the alloy one. It was easy doing the wheelset according to Shelden Brown's webside. Turns true as can be..learned something. I enjoy those older bikes..remind me of classic cars, that's why I want no newer parts and it shifts great with the Suntour stuff. It's almost mint and beautiful. Bob
10-31-09, 07:46 AM
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there is 3-4 different Letour models most years and range in quality. I am actually impressed with the wheels on my 77 Super leTour. Some of the straightest vintage rims I have come acorss yet.
Now I will be throwing a modern ramped 7speed 14-28 free hub on it to help reduce chain skate on under load shifting for a bit of improved drivability but I am keep the wheels on it for sure. Free hubs are cheap ($16 new for the one I am using) so if it is a rider and not for show don't be afraid to swap them out if you run into any problems with them. It a wear item and finding good parts to rebuild or good old Suntours is harder by the day. You may want to swap it just to preserve the original if it is in any kind of decent shape and a gold tone.
Now I will be throwing a modern ramped 7speed 14-28 free hub on it to help reduce chain skate on under load shifting for a bit of improved drivability but I am keep the wheels on it for sure. Free hubs are cheap ($16 new for the one I am using) so if it is a rider and not for show don't be afraid to swap them out if you run into any problems with them. It a wear item and finding good parts to rebuild or good old Suntours is harder by the day. You may want to swap it just to preserve the original if it is in any kind of decent shape and a gold tone.
