bike-izle

A friends bike. When I pull on the indicator spindle as far as it will go (would be gear "1" on the shifter, more or less) the hub stops engaging. Cranks just spin.

Are pawls or something gummed up? Just an adjustment issue? Any ideas? Any input would help.

I've easily adjusted these before. It just doesn't seem like all the gears are present anymore.

Thanks!

Dan Burkhart 

If it were a pawl issue, 2nd gear would be affected too. More likely a sun gear engagement issue. Can you tell me what the model number printed on the hub shell is? If the model number is something like XRF5 with no (w) after it, it would be an older ball lock type. If it has the (w) after the model number, it is a wide range model that went into production around 2008 or so.
If we can establish that, I might be able to throw some ideas out as the internal design is somewhat different between the two.

bike-izle

Oh cool! I'm away from the bike, but it's an RX-RC5 hub, and I'm pretty sure there was a w on the end (with parentheses). The bike itself isn't that old.

Thanks a lot.

PS: Do you have vids on YouTube? I just watched one of your SA tutorials. Good stuff....

Dan Burkhart 

Well, if it has an indicator spindle as you indicated in your post, it won't be an RX model. That is the new rotary shift type. The C in the model number indicates coaster brake.
Anyway, I recently had an issue with an RX type which I resolved by lubricating the internals with ATF.
And yes, I do have a number of videos on Youtube, such as this one.

bike-izle

It definitely had "RC5", and it definitely has an indicator spindle/chain. I'll watch the vid. And what does "ATF" mean?

Thanks!

Bill Kapaun

Automatic Transmission Fluid.

Dan Burkhart 

OK, then it is not an RX series. The RC5 will have either an X or S in front designating the flange size. X for large flange, S for small.
If it has the (w) after the model number,it is the wide range model which is known to be problematic. It engages the sun gears by means of a sliding key rather than the locking pawls as shown in the video above.
If the indicator spindle is the correct length, the chain should still be pulling outward on the spindle at the end of travel. If the incorrect (too long) indicator is installed, the spindle may reach the end of the guide nut and the chain cannot pull it firmly into first gear.
One of the things I would check for before opening the hub.