Sturmey archer 3 spd coaster brake help

[axsepul]

what kind of oil are you guys using to lubricate and how much?

Anybody

[axsepul]

I just checked my hub and its a s3c.

What problems should I be expecting?

I just used a few drops of automatic transmission fluid to lubricate it. It still feels a little tight, the wheel doesn't spin as freely as I think it should.

[mos6502]

**update** my hubs an S3C... Now what? Lol

One of the reasons for my aforementioned funniness is they have a defect. If the hub is in neutral( ya know, that spot between 2nd & 3rd), you have no brakes! Somebody raised a stink, so they were discontinued.

You're thinking of the TCW. The S3C replaced it and the coaster brake is driven directly, although it's still not a particularly good hub.

[mos6502]

I just checked my hub and its a s3c.

What problems should I be expecting?

I just used a few drops of automatic transmission fluid to lubricate it. It still feels a little tight, the wheel doesn't spin as freely as I think it should.

I would use SAE 20 oil. Are you sure the cones are adjusted properly? I remember mine coasted as well as any AW.

[Tychevelle]

I just checked my hub and its a s3c.

What problems should I be expecting?

I just used a few drops of automatic transmission fluid to lubricate it. It still feels a little tight, the wheel doesn't spin as freely as I think it should.

I would use SAE 20 oil. Are you sure the cones are adjusted properly? I remember mine coasted as well as any AW.

Mine coast and shifts great. Just on applying the brake it clicks and very lightly applys the brakes. Axsepul sounds like the cones are too tight or else maybe its gummed up inside?

[JoKeR63]

**update** my hubs an S3C... Now what? Lol

One of the reasons for my aforementioned funniness is they have a defect. If the hub is in neutral( ya know, that spot between 2nd & 3rd), you have no brakes! Somebody raised a stink, so they were discontinued.

You're thinking of the TCW. The S3C replaced it and the coaster brake is driven directly, although it's still not a particularly good hub.

You mean to tell that there is a SA hub that is worse?!!!!!!!
I still had all my problems with the SC3.

[noglider]

**update** my hubs an S3C... Now what? Lol

I worked for a master mechanic who liked the TCW better than the S3C, though I don't know why. The truth is that many people got plenty of good service out of both of them.

I agree that 20W or ATF is good lubricant for SA hubs. Even 30W or 40W should be OK, as long as it's mineral oil and not 3-in-1 which is vegetable oil.

There's a terrific site called hubstripping with fantastic videos. Those guys know everything about SA hubs.

I haven't taken apart either the TCW or the S3C, but I've fixed several AW's. It's not hard. I've also fixed plain coaster brake hubs. Those are easy. I don't think this hub should be much worse than an AW, but others can correct me if I'm wrong.

[axsepul]

Hey noglider, awesome first post. Welcome!

 

[kngtmat]

Good info, I have been wanted to finally look at one of these hubs that I have.


What is wrong with TCW, I have a TCW III that I might use on my Spaceliner until I can afford original wheels?

[mos6502]

The TCW runs the coaster brake through the transmission gears. The big danger with this was that if the hub got out of adjustment and fell into "neutral" between the gears - no brakes!

Consumer Reports published a letter they got from a reader whose child broke both of his arms after the brakes on his bike wouldn't work and he hit the broadside of a house...

The moral of the story is - also run a front brake if you're using a TCW.

[hubgearfreak]

The moral of the story is - also run a front brake if you're using a TCW.

always have two brakes. the chain could come off or snap off any coaster