I am in the process of rebuilding yet another model A hub, but I have a curious question. Does the clutch/brake assembly need a thin oil? See the image of part I am referring to. I have rebuilt a number of these and have lubricated all the parts with grease except this one. The other day I saw someone on the net oiling the part pictured with thin oil. Not sure if I should add this to the “don’t believe everything on the internet” column or if I should start lubricating. Inquiring minds need to know.
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New Departure Model A Question
- Thread starter Ed Minas
- Start date
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gkeep
I live for the CABE
Hi,
There are a number of threads about overhauling these, some started by me. ND model A hubs seem to have their own idiosyncrasies. A couple things to keep in mind, don't use any modern lube products containing sulfur compounds. These will react with the bronze transfer spring and destroy it. I deal with truck lube products at work so I did some research and found a 50wt oil without the sulfur additives. I slathered is on thinking the old parts could use it but braking was poor, too heavy an oil. Further help from CABERs and I recall someone posted an original document that referred to 20wt oil in these hubs. Cleaned off the 50wt and coated with 20wt, that was a big improvement.
Here is a good rebuild article on overhauling ND Model A's. http://ratrodbikes.com/forum/index.php?threads/u-c-b-hub-project-new-departure-model-a.48972/.
My grease removal thread. https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/new-departure-model-a-rollfast-hub-repair-sleeve.125188/. And of course there are meny threads about these cantankerous hubs. https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/n...-and-i-want-them-answered-immediately.123657/.
Good luck with yours and keep in mind what Andrew Gorman says about these, "Oil or a very light grease. Model A's are not really a brake, just a speed attenuator. If you are riding in traffic, be prepared to drag your feet." Been there and done that!
Gary
There are a number of threads about overhauling these, some started by me. ND model A hubs seem to have their own idiosyncrasies. A couple things to keep in mind, don't use any modern lube products containing sulfur compounds. These will react with the bronze transfer spring and destroy it. I deal with truck lube products at work so I did some research and found a 50wt oil without the sulfur additives. I slathered is on thinking the old parts could use it but braking was poor, too heavy an oil. Further help from CABERs and I recall someone posted an original document that referred to 20wt oil in these hubs. Cleaned off the 50wt and coated with 20wt, that was a big improvement.
Here is a good rebuild article on overhauling ND Model A's. http://ratrodbikes.com/forum/index.php?threads/u-c-b-hub-project-new-departure-model-a.48972/.
My grease removal thread. https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/new-departure-model-a-rollfast-hub-repair-sleeve.125188/. And of course there are meny threads about these cantankerous hubs. https://thecabe.com/forum/threads/n...-and-i-want-them-answered-immediately.123657/.
Good luck with yours and keep in mind what Andrew Gorman says about these, "Oil or a very light grease. Model A's are not really a brake, just a speed attenuator. If you are riding in traffic, be prepared to drag your feet." Been there and done that!
Gary
dnc1
Riding a '38 Autocycle Deluxe
Mine doesn't!
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