I need some pointers on an ND Model A hub

[Cheesy]

An acquaintance who is more into antique motorcycles than antique bicycles has a 1900 Indian bicycle in his collection with an ND Model rear hub. The bike is restored and gorgeous. The issue with the hub is that it feels like the brake is dragging and not the bearings. There seems to be one spot in the where it feels almost free. The owner asked if I could give it a look and, honestly, who'd pass up the chance to work on a 126 year old bike.
I last worked on a Model A in the late 80's for a museum that just wanted it functional. I recall it being a very simple hub with a bronze colored spring and I recall all the adjustments being on the right side cone.
So, any thoughts and pointers would be helpful and appreciated. TIA.

 

[scott141]

This article was helpful to me. Mainly about overhaul. But doing so may uncover your issue.

U.C.B. Hub Project- New Departure Model A

If you own a bike with a Model A hub and have needed to service it then you know that the web has few resources to help. Now to add a little bit to what else is out there here is the latest addition to the Udall Custom Bikes Hub Project. Since I only have the one I am not making my own...

ratrodbikes.com

 

[Cheesy]

Thank you. Exactly what I was looking for.

 

[gkeep]

Light 20 wt oil is what they take. First time I rebuilt the Model A on my Pierce I used 30 weight and it was a bad choice. They are finicky hubs anyway, at least mine is. Just a little change in tightness on the cones makes all the difference in whether you eventually stop, never stop or it locks up and the wheel won't turn at all.
Good luck!

 

[catfish]

Make sure it is put together the right way.

 

[cyclingday]

In that first picture of Ed’s aka Catfish post the bearings are in backwards.
Make sure the flat side of the bearing retainer always faces away or outside, from the cups in the hubshell.
It’s very common to find the bearings installed incorrectly on previously worked on hubs.
The lower exploded view picture of the entire hub assembly shows them in the correct order.
Just a friendly FYI.

 

[catfish]

In that first picture of Ed’s aka Catfish post the bearings are in backwards.
Make sure the flat side of the bearing retainer always faces away or outside, from the cups in the hubshell.
It’s very common to find the bearings installed incorrectly on previously worked on hubs.
The lower exploded view picture of the entire hub assembly shows them in the correct order.
Just a friendly FYI.

Good catch. That was how I found it...

 

[catfish]

The third photo is right.

 

[WillWork4Parts]

I've had a few apart since I last rode one...but I think the last time I kicked a model A coaster was about 20 years ago. The ones I take apart are generally crusty and the brakes are rusted or seized. I havent had a chance to test ride any of those to say what the symptoms were, but crust in the brakes will surely cause drag. Like pointed out above, cones adjusted too loose will let the brake drag too.

 

[gkeep]

Make sure it is put together the right way.

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Ha! These are the photos I posted years ago when I was learning about these hubs and yes, those caged bearings are in backwords. Please ignore the man behind the curtain...have I been riding it all these years with backward bearing cages??!!