Sturmey Hub service

[Steve B]

Anyone got experience of dismantling an old Sturmey Archer hub?
I've bought a 1954 4 speed for a project bike that I'm on at the moment. It's an alloy shell and in good nick. I've built it into a wheel but there is very slight play in the hub, which probably isn't worth worrying about, but wondered if it wasn't too hard I'd try and service the internals before using it.

Steve

[Paul Blackburn]

Steve, I have taken one of these apart and just about managed to get it back together under supervision from someone who knew what they were doing. I wouldn't recommend doing it without an understanding of how it works and some diagrams or photographs to work from. You would also need a good working area to ensure that none of the many bits (including some tiny ones) go missing. I had a quick browse at the Sheldon Brown website where it was suggested that Sturmey Archer hubs often had more play than you might expect, so there may not be much improvement to be had.

[Phil H]

Practise on a Rohloff Speedhub first

[Steve B]

Thanks Paul, I'll take your advice and leave alone. Once I get the bike finished I'll see how the hub operates and go from there. I found a company in London that overhauls and services Sturmeys but I guess it would cost a fair whack and I don't really want to spend more money on it.
Phil....

Steve

[Jon H]

If you're really tempted...

http://sheldonbrown.com/sturmey-archer_3-spd.html