Originally Posted by
Random Tandem
1. Sturmey Archer X-RD5(W) - Sunrace-designed Sturmey Archer 5 speed (256% total gear range) with 70mm drum brake and matched DT shifter
I believe this hub needs some attention as the hub parts seem to be only loosely fitted when I opened the hub shell (though the scrapes on the exterior are only cosmetic). I was not able to find more than an
exploded parts diagram to guide me in a rebuild. Moreover, the hub was a gift, but I can return the shifter for sale at the bike co-op, if the hub cannot be made serviceable. If anyone can suggest any further guidance to the rebuild, I believe I would have the courage to proceed.
Finally, any thoughts about drilling each of these hub shells to add an oil port to allow them to be run "wet"?
-Will
I'm not sure what you mean by "hub parts only loosely fitted". Could you explain? It sounds like you may have removed the internal mechanism from the hub body, right? If so, it should be fairly easy to check for worn components like pawls and springs, although you will have to disassemble to check the gear selector key assembly. The hub internal consists of a lot of subassemblies that cannot be disassembled further and this makes it easy to strip down and put back together. Look for worn, chipped pawls; broken pawl springs. I've had trouble with weak C-Clips (HSL990 and especially HSL889). As stated above, relube the internal with NGLI 00 grease, but use regular bearing grease on the axle bearings.
Good luck.