Sturmey Archer 3-speed slipping

[Chris S]

My Sturmey Archer 3-speed slips out of bottom gear into second under load, i.e. when I'm going uphill and need it. It's fine on the flat so i don't think its a cable issue, there's also no slack in the togle chain when it happens.

I assume the hub has finally worn out (it's over 20 years old). I just thought I'd ask if anybody knew of a quick fix before I got another one?

 

[mrandmrspoves]

Takes me back some years.....slippy Sturmey Archers!
Sounds like you know what you're doing with cable adjustment and you are probably right.....but just in case - put gear lever into 3rd and adjust the cable so it is just slack. This should be the right set up for all 3 gears. On the basis that you are slipping from 1st to 2nd and cables stretch over time rather than shrink - I would try adjusting it slightly tighter and see what happens. Also worth ensuring that the gears have seen some oil recently......remembers the little metal capped lube points fondly!

 

[Chris S]

I finally found the problem - a shim was missing of the rear axle. Pushing down hard on the pedal pulled on this and caused the rear droput to flex slightly, allowing the toggle chain to move.

 

[jay clock]

Takes me back. Slipping Sturmey Archer circa 1976. Squashing bollox on Brooks saddle and ripping open ankle on sharp side of cottered crank!

 

[lpretro1]

SA hubs are all fixable anyway - parts still easily available too