Adjusting Sachs/SRAM 3x7 hubs
Ian Sims
Put the shifter in gear three. Then disconnect the black cable connector,
that attaches the gear change cable to the gear change chain, which
comes out of the rear axle.
This is disconnected by pressing the square steel button on the black
plastic connector.
Then pedal the cranks backwards, to make sure the hub is in top gear.
Reconnect the gear change cable by pushing the connector over the
end of the gear change chain. It looks like threaded rod, but actually
they are just circular groves for the connector to grip on.
Push it on until all the slack is just taken out of the gear change cable.
The test by moving the lever to 1st, while pedalling backwards.
Now it should not be possible to pull the chain further out of the
axle, except for the very slightest amount. If there is some noticeable
movement, then go back to 3rd, and push the connector in another click,
and try again test the slack in 3rd again.
You don't want the cable too tight in 3rd, or it may cause wear in the
change mech. in the hub - the object is just to remove all slack.
You should also test the rear wheel for play at the rim after a long
mileage (once a year?) and if there is play, then adjust the LEFT
HAND cone bearing, (non- drive side) just like you would on
an ordinary bike wheel, with cup and cone bearings.
The factory claim the hub is greased for life and requires no
maintenance. However some owners prefer to lubricate
the hub with oil from time to time, by putting the machine on
its side, drive side up, disconnecting the gear change cable,
unscrewing the gear change chain from the axle, and dropping
a few drops down the axle hole.
Putting the rod and chain back in the hub, it should be screwed
in until it stops, and then backed off, to align with the cable.
Re-connect and adjust as above.
2000 hubs come with a yellow and black plastic fitting, which
goes over the RH axle nut, and contains a pulley for the chain
to run over. The idea is to reduce shifting fiction. Without this
fitted, it may not be possible to get proper gear shifting, as the
nut for this fitment is shorter.....
Regards, Ian.