Tick, tick, tick

[Pale Rider]

The ticking noise from the three-speed hub when freewheeling on the Brompton got louder today.

I imagine they all do it to some degree, but the change is quite noticeable.

Is a lube required?

If so, what sort of oil?

I can't see anywhere to put it other than around the bearings.

 

[Chris S]

Has it got the Sturmey Archer 3-speed hub? If so it's normal. If you really want to lubricate it then unscrew the toggle chain and a squirt a few drops of mineral oil down the hole. Modern SA hubs are sealed for life so shouldn't really need this.

 

[Pale Rider]

Has it got the Sturmey Archer 3-speed hub? If so it's normal. If you really want to lubricate it then unscrew the toggle chain and a squirt a few drops of mineral oil down the hole. Modern SA hubs are sealed for life so shouldn't really need this.

Thanks.

It's a three speed 'BWR' - Brompton Wide Range - hub.

Not sure who makes it, think it might be SRAM:

http://www.brompton.co.uk/our-bikes/bike-explorer/part/7/6-speed-bwr-hub-standard-ratio

 

[Chris S]

Judging by the picture it's a Sturmey Archer 3-speed hub, it's got a Sturmey Archer toggle-chain. The ticking is normal, you shouldn't get it pedalling in bottom gear though.

PS - It could also be a Sturmey Archer clone. The 3-speed hub has been around for over a century and the patent ran out a few years ago.