SA Hub Clicking

[Jezston]

In 2nd or 3rd on my new Sturmey Archer 3-speed hub I get a kind of freewheel clicking, about half the 'rate' of actual freewheeling clicking, when pedalling.

Is this normal, and if not, what's wrong?

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Sounds are hard to analyse on a web forum but SA hubs do 'tick' when in use. In a reassuring "I'm wafting along" kind of way rather than a "bomb is about to go off" impending doom way.

 

[buddha]

It could be that the indicator rod/chain needs adjusting. And it's the clutch making the ticking because it's not adjusted properly.

See here for more, or the SA site (go to section 2.2 - gear adjustment).

 

[corshamjim]

I presume it's normal. Certainly my new SA 3-speed ticks just like that too in 2nd and 3rd. If you look at the exploded parts diagram, you'll see there are at least three different sets of pawls in the hub, only one of which will be for the freewheel.

http://www.sturmey-archer.com/userfiles/manuals/X-RD3-Parts-List.pdf

 

[byegad]

Yes they do click in certain gears. It's a very long time since I rode one so I forget which ones tick. If it changes OK and the toggle bar is adjusted right then I'd stop worrying.

 

[tyred]

The older ones certainly make ticking noises. Never rode one of the modern ones but I doubt if the design has really changed that much. I find something therapeutic about it.

 

[MacB]

I'm never to sure what should and shouldn't tick/click and when, so I went with the option of stripping and reassembling to be sure. Fortunately my LBS could do this with me no problem and I'd be happy to do on my own now. If your indicator rod is adjusted correctly and you're not happy maybe it's worth finding a local bike shop that can do this, just to be on the safe side.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

I am pleased to confirm that the modern ones tick.

 

[Jezston]

Nothing to worry about then! Thanks chaps Now just to consider if 42 12 was pushing it a bit!

 

[TheDoctor]

My BWR has quite a variety of clicking noises, depending on what gear I'm in.
Perfectly normal. All hub gears do it a bit.