Sturmey Archer overhaul instructions generally tell you to put a hub back together the same way as it was before, except for replacing the parts they tell you to replace. They don't tell you the correct sequence of washers and spacers, for example, but rather tell you to note their correct position before disassembly and put them back in the same order and orientation.
Do you think that's the rationale behind noting the orientation of the ball ring?
Thanks rhm. I'm sure it is. I think there is a, perhaps old fashioned, idea that parts get used to each other and thus it's better to put them back how they were so they'll perform the best they can. I don't know where I got that idea from but I've always tended be conscious of it and followed it.
On this occasion, I saw the advice after I'd removed and replaced the ball-ring, and another 3 or 4 before it. And wondered...