[Leopold Porkstacker]

I also will cross-post this in the NorCal forums as well.

I need to find a shop who can do the teardown/soak/re-lube of a Shimano Alfine 8-Speed internally-geared hub. The shops I’ve asked so far get scared at the idea, and then are leery of my recommendation of using Mobil-1 ATF instead of Shimano’s special 200/liter formula apparently made from ground up endangered species. Anyone know of a shop that CAN ACTUALLY do this? Thanks!

 

[itsdoable]

Its pretty easy to do it yourself, it comes apart like any Shimano hub with adjustable cones, and only the non-drive side balls are loose.

 

[Leopold Porkstacker]

Right… I understand the simplicity of that part, but from the stuff I am finding online (via Google searches) on how to properly overhaul/service one of these puppies, I am not seeing anything pertaining to regreasing the parts that need regreasing as per Shimano’s servicing guidelines. Which grease do I use (which isn’t going to be dissolved into the Mobil-1 synthetic ATF)??? Before I even get to that stage, something I cannot seem to figure out from Shimano’s servicing guidelines, is how to clean off the old grease/oil first (assuming this would be a logical step in the event that any water/dirt has entered into the hub over time). Any suggestions?

 

[pursuiter]

I didn't bother with the grease, Shimano's guide uses grease for the brakes shoes on coaster hubs. I didn't have to clean either of my hubs, they were clean as a new born baby (smeared in white grease, just in case you're witnessed a live birth, ha, ha).

If I had needed to clean the guts, my plan was to soak them in paint thinner and use a few bath steps to really get them clean. then let them dry over night, maybe even in front of a fan to be sure there's no solvent left ('cause I'm nuts). After all of that it's a quick 20 min dunk in Mobil 1 ATF, short drain time and re-install.

The hardest part is adjusting the hub correctly. .I'm an old school Sturmey-Archer repairer from a 1970's era LBS, I use a bench vise to secure the drive side axle flats and adjust the non-drive side cone until the bearing play just goes away as detected at the rim. You will need cone wrenches, Performance Bikes has house brand and Park flavors.

 

[Everett37]

Not local to you, and chances are you've come across them, but this shop advertises internal gear hub servicing:

http://www.rideyourbike.com/internalgears.shtml

 

[Leopold Porkstacker]

Thanks for all the tips. I actually found a local shop who claims they can do it. I instructed the head mechanic that Mobil-1 ATF will fit the bill, and he agreed to take that “warranty voiding” chance if I was OK with it. We’ll see what happens. Meanwhile, I am single-sped. :nono: