Sachs/SRAM Super 7 maintenance
I have a winter bike which has been running with a Sachs Super 7 since 1996. It has worked beautifully and maintenance-free until about three years ago. My bike shop admits that they have rarely dealt with internal gear systems from a maintenance point of view but, for the most part, sorted it out though it since performed with a few very minor quirks. This year I brought it out, a few weeks ago, and the first (smallest gear inches) two gears are useless. It feels as though the pawls are failing to engage when pedaling. My winter riding has predominently been in Ottawa with lots of road salt and sand. I have three questions for those experienced with internal hubs:
1. Is this hub finished?
2. If not, is it practicable or even recommended for a reasonably capable amateur mechanic to strip, clean, and rebuild one of these himself? or
3. Should I try a different bike shop?