I have had the experience of noise and grittiness with a SA S-RF3, on one of my 700 c bikes, which is the 177% standard 3 speed hub. I had the local LBS look at it and they couldn't make it work properly, and they kept it for months, trying this and that. Finally they noticed the hub uses 2 kinds of grease and, once they had that in place it worked perfectly. I had read that the old AW hubs were fitted with an oil nipple and required periodic additions of a little oil as the oil did seep out a bit. I put some 5-20 synthetic motor oil in the hub and it worked perfectly except for the drippage issue. I also acquired an S-RF3 Brompton wheel and began using the oil right away. It runs quiet and smooth but does ooze a little oil. When it gets noisy, usually in high gear, I add a couple of ccs of oil and it is right as rain. The oil goes in the drive side axle after removing the shifter rod and chain, with the bike lying on the left side. I still enjoy the 1 speed hub and definitely use that when I transport the Brompton in my wife's car when we go on trips as I do not want any oil to mar the interior. I have probably gone 5000 miles on the 3 speed, though, so I know it is a good long term solution. BTW, I have ridden the bike on dry streets or on ice with my studded Schwalbes when the temps have been 0 Fahrenheit and it works just as well as when it is 100. I don't know if the hub grease would work well when it gets really cold. Anyway, Kell, you could try the oil treatment before you begin disassembling your hub or taking it in to your mechanic.