🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

AJS

Model:

AMC (Associated Motor Cycles) - Various Models

Vehicle Type:

Motorcycle

Component:

Rear Wheel Hub (Rigid, Full-Width)

Service Sheet Number:

504

👋 Introduction

Market Context:

This service sheet is aimed at owners and mechanics of classic AJS and AMC motorcycles, a segment known for its enthusiast following and demand for authentic repair documentation.

Historical Documentation:

During the era of AJS and AMC production, factory service data was paramount for maintenance. This sheet fills a critical niche for restorers and maintainers of these marques.

Core Value Proposition:

Provides essential, manufacturer-sanctioned guidance for a specific, critical component's repair, ensuring proper function and longevity of classic AJS/AMC rear wheel assemblies.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Coverage:

Dismantling and Rebuilding of AJS/AMC Rigid Rear Wheel Hubs

Estimated Page Count:

Likely 10-20 pages (typical for a service sheet of this nature)

Manual Type:

Technical Service Sheet / Workshop Data

Language:

English

Format:

Printed document (historically), potentially digitized as PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Mechanical Systems:

Rear wheel hub assembly, bearings, brake drum (if integrated), axle fitting, spokes attachment points, lubrication points.

Dismantling Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for the safe and correct disassembly of the rear wheel hub assembly, including removal of bearings, seals, and other components.

Rebuilding Procedures:

Detailed guidance on the reassembly process, including correct torque specifications, bearing pre-load adjustment, and proper seating of components.

Inspection And Testing:

Guidance on inspecting components for wear or damage, and checks for correct rotational smoothness and security after reassembly.

Technical Depth:

Detailed technical procedures for mechanical overhaul and maintenance, suitable for experienced mechanics and enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format Typical:

Print: Stapled or bound booklet. Digital: PDF with scannable text and clear diagrams.

Print Quality Typical:

Clear black and white illustrations/diagrams, legible text. Original prints may vary in age-related degradation.

Binding Type Typical:

Stapled for service sheets, potentially bound for larger manuals.

Paper Type Typical:

Standard paper stock for printed manuals. High-quality reproductions may use heavier stock.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Types Covered:

Varies across AJS/AMC model range. Likely covers single-cylinder, parallel-twin, and potentially V-twin engines produced by AJS and AMC (e.g., AMC twin engines, AJS Model 30, etc.) during the 1950s and 1960s.

Performance Relevance:

While this sheet focuses on the rear wheel hub, proper hub maintenance is critical for safe transfer of power and handling, impacting overall vehicle performance.

Fuel System Relevance:

Indirect. A properly functioning rear wheel assembly ensures the rider can effectively utilize engine power.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Covered:

Typically 4-speed or 5-speed gearbox, depending on the specific AJS/AMC model. The rear wheel hub is directly connected to the final drive (chain).

Optional Transmission Features:

Various gearbox ratios and configurations existed across the AJS/AMC range.

Final Drive Type:

Chain drive. The rear wheel hub houses the sprocket mounting points.

📐 Dimensions

Hub Dimensions Variability:

Hub dimensions (diameter, width) will vary significantly based on the specific motorcycle model and year. Full-width hubs suggest a more robust design, common on larger capacity models.

Bearing Dimensions:

Specific bearing types and sizes (e.g., Timken, ball bearings) are critical and will be detailed in the service sheet. These are proprietary to the hub design.

Cargo Capacity Relevance:

N/A directly, but the rear wheel hub's integrity is vital for carrying cargo or a passenger safely.

Hub Weight:

Weight of the hub assembly will vary by model, but typically made from cast iron or alloy for strength.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Rating Context:

Direct safety ratings for individual components like hubs are not typically issued. However, the proper maintenance described in this manual directly impacts rider safety.

Active Safety Relevance:

Properly serviced wheel bearings and secure axle mounting contribute to predictable handling and stability, crucial for active safety.

Passive Safety Relevance:

The robust construction of a full-width rigid rear wheel hub provides a stable platform, contributing to the overall passive safety of the motorcycle during normal operation and in less ideal conditions.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Relevance:

N/A for this component and era.

Driver Assistance Relevance:

N/A for this component and era. Modern electronic aids were not present.

Connectivity Relevance:

N/A for this component and era.

🔧 Maintenance

Bearing Maintenance Interval:

Typically, wheel bearings should be inspected for roughness or play at every major service, or annually. If repacked, intervals could be 5,000-10,000 miles, but specific recommendations from the sheet are crucial.

Bearing Lubrication:

Likely requires high-quality wheel bearing grease (e.g., NLGI #2 Lithium complex EP grease). Specific part numbers or types will be detailed in the service sheet.

Common Rear Hub Wear:

Common issues include worn wheel bearings leading to play, damaged bearing races, worn brake drum surfaces (if integrated), and potential corrosion or damage to the hub shell and spoke mounting points.

Spoke Tensioning:

The manual may implicitly cover the importance of maintaining correct spoke tension, as it affects the structural integrity of the wheel and hub assembly.

📚 Vehicle History

Ajs Amc Legacy:

AJS (James Smith) and AMC (Associated Motor Cycles) are iconic British motorcycle manufacturers with a rich history dating back to the early 20th century, renowned for their performance and engineering in various classes, including racing and everyday transport.

Hub Evolution Context:

The transition to 'full-width' hubs generally signified advancements in bearing technology and increased load-carrying capacity or braking performance (e.g., larger drum brakes), common in mid-to-late 1950s and 1960s models.

Production Period Amc Ajs:

AJS and AMC operations spanned several decades, with significant overlap in components and design. Core production periods for models featuring such hubs would be the 1950s and 1960s.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Brand Awards:

AJS and AMC motorcycles received numerous awards and accolades in competition and road tests during their production years, reflecting their engineering quality and performance.