Coaster hub overhaul

i have a bikefix coaster hub that is getting a bit rattly when i go over potholes. i think i need to repack with grease. anyone done this? do i grease the brake pads as well? any tips before i do this?

After reading your request, I decided to go down to the Google of the World and ask them how can I overhaul a coaster brake, and guess what? it was good;

(click the image).

Mine's shot as well. Loads of play from side to side, seizes up. Didn't last long.

Your hubs is the one with the smooth body, right?

you should talk to Nhatt about getting a new coaster hubs that's a million time reliable, mine is the same as your (Ventura) and I notice some play too after a month or two, look like our hubs are simply a bad design< i'm going to talk to Bikefix again tomorrow about their hubs (they just got it to replace the velosteer one) to let them know about the reliability issue of it.

the velosteer one is much better and infinity more reliable, even after years.

The shimano one is also a great option too;

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/product.asp?pf_id=21825&src=froogle

Mine's shot as well. Loads of play from side to side, seizes up. Didn't last long.

Shit, you had the one I just built my wife's wheel around. Was never convinced from the moment I took it out of the carrier bag bikefix gave it to me in?

They used to sell the Velosteer one which was perfect, and hence my praise about them, but they replace that with the Ventura one claiming it's better (I've no doubt, on paper it is better), but turn out to perform poorly.

I'll see BikeFix tomorrow, seemed like a case of not realising that the hubs isn't particularly reliable.

I've been using it properly since April. That bike was ridden only once a week for 15-30 miles at the time. Bollocks!
Yes, it's the Ventura one, Ed. I'll get in touch with BikeFix as well. Perhaps they need some lobbying being done by customers?

Would be interested to hear what they say Ed. I don't think that Bikefix are a bad shop, but I think they may have made a mistake in backing this Ventura hub. I only went there because of the good things that were said about the Velosteer hub on this forum.

Was never convinced from the moment I took it out of the carrier bag bikefix gave it to me in?

I wanted to cry when I saw it for the first time, but then - after some research - I found out, that most coaster brakes look nothing like Phil or Campagnolo Record hubs :-)

Kris, I'm popping round tomorrow and will have a talk with Stuart about the Ventura hubs, will let you know what's happening, I've heard of Ventura hubs before but I've never seen/heard about problem with it until recently with a handful of people's (and mine) bike with it.

I got one of the shimano ones from bikefix, seems alright although I can't change the axle because the threading is different. Anyone know what the flange diameter is?

did you guys repack with grease before use or just ride as it came?

Over hauling a coaster hub is pure voodoo.

I haven't had to do it since I went to school, and that was 7-8 years ago. I would say that using a technical drawing is going to be your best bet, and be careful with the spring!

I have a shimano one, it has a little play between the sprocket and the clip, but then all coaster hubs have a little play. Billy managed to find a spacer for his that fit, but wasn't sure what it came off of and I couldn't duplicate the thickness.

my chain line is slightly out...is there a way to pull the cog out a touch?

Over hauling a coaster hub is pure voodoo.

I haven't had to do it since I went to school, and that was 7-8 years ago. I would say that using a technical drawing is going to be your best bet, and be careful with the spring!

Yes, I did that once, 28 years ago ;-)
I should've done it this time, but I decided to leave it and now I regret.

Hmm - literally just built a wheel with one... Did ask bikefix about re-greasing but they said not to bother, they're pretty bomb proof!

For the first 200 miles, yes.

Servicing a coaster brake hub is very simple.
Make sure that you put all parts in the right order and position when you disassemble the hub.
Or better: get the original service instructions or exploded view.

You have to put special grease on the brake surfaces and on the brake cone.
This is NOT the same as the grease you use for the bearings and NOT the same as rollerbrake grease.
Get some coaster brake grease from a bike shop.

Sprocket / chain line: try a non-dishes (flat) sprocket if you have a dished one of the other way 'round.
Or flip the sprocket if it is dished.

My hub wobbles so much at the moment, that it wouldn't make any difference - every now and then chainline is perfect.
I've tried to tighten it, but it hasn't changed anything, so it's time to either pull it apart or look somewhere else.

Have you acertained if the wobble is in the hub or the play between the sprocket and the clip?

Both. Sprocket always had tiny bit of play which now is noticeable. I did have a look at it this afternoon and it looks like most play is on the arm's side - I can see the cup moving and all the nuts are tight.

If you want, I am happy to have a look at it in the shop. It's been some time since I have, but I wouldn't charge you as it's a learning experience.

I'd pay you anyway (principle) :-)

I'll let you know when I'm about to venture (nomen omen) to Brixton.

We also have to wait for Ed. Let's see what BikeFix says.

Probably not much. They said my Velosteel was fine despite a really dodgy noise. The thing fell apart completely less than 20 miles later. It still is in need of a rebuild.

Mine could really do with a service and I really don't fancy dismantling it myself, anyone got any recommendations as to where I could take it?