How to replace a rear derailleur
Derailleur gears
Derailleur gears are a variable-ratio transmission system commonly used on bicycles, consisting of a chain, multiple sprockets of different sizes, and a mechanism to move the chain from one sprocket to another. Although referred to as gears in the bike world, these bicycle gears are technically sp…
How to setup and adjust a rear derailleur?
Adjusting the rear derailleur. Step 1. Put the gear lever into top gear, turn the pedals and allow the chain to go onto the smallest cog on the cassette. If there is a cable adjuster on the gear ...
How do you assemble the rear derailleur?
What do I get with a more expensive derailleur?
- Weight. More expensive rear derailleurs will, typically, weigh less. ...
- Longevity. More expensive derailleurs often use harder wearing components and are built to closer tolerances, so will last longer than cheaper models.
- Finish. We still maintain that Shimano’s R9000-era Dura-Ace groupset produced some of the best-looking rear derailleurs of all time.
Do I need a new rear derailleur?
Yes, also only use Campagnolo rear derailleurs with Campagnolo cassettes and shifters. While some elements of a drivetrain may be cross-compatible between brands, when it comes to derailleurs and shifters, they are most often not. If you have a Shimano shifter, you need a Shimano derailleur, and likewise with other brands.
How to clean and lubricate a rear derailleur?
Maintain Your Rear Derailleur
- Shift to the big chainring and big cog, then loosen the rear derailleur's cable clamp.
- Set the inner limit--or how far the derailleur can travel toward the spokes. ...
- Set the outer limit-or how far the derailleur travels away from the spokes. ...
Can you fix rear derailleur?
Some problems can be repaired trailside while others require parts and tools most riders don't commonly carry. Your bike's drivetrain is really a simple system, and if you know what to look for, you can easily repair your derailleur yourself.
How much is a rear derailleur repair?
If you take your MTB into a local bike shop the average price to replace a rear derailleur is going to be $110. If you DIY replacing a derailleur will cost about $50 (plus your time) This price will depend a lot on the actual derailleur needed. Usually a bike shop will also take care of other problems.
How do you fix a rear derailleur not moving?
0:515:35Rear Derailleur - Advanced Troubleshooting - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf the bike has full housing without stops that doesn't work you will need to loosen the pinch boltMoreIf the bike has full housing without stops that doesn't work you will need to loosen the pinch bolt to get a feel for how the cable is operating. If it feels gummy install a new cable and housing.
How do you refurbish a rear derailleur?
0:398:46How To Refurbish A Rear Derailleur | Road Bike Maintenance - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCompletely seized up will start very simply by giving it a thorough click using like a solubleMoreCompletely seized up will start very simply by giving it a thorough click using like a soluble degreaser that basically is just going to make it more pleasant to work on if nothing.
How long do rear derailleurs last?
Derailleurs will last almost indefinitely. The jockey wheels will wear out in time (tens of thousands of km) but the rest of the mechanism shouldn't see significant wear. It could be that the spring will break at some point due to material fatigue, but that is also a relatively easy to replace part on most derailleurs.
What causes a rear derailleur to break?
A chain that is too short for the chainset/cassette combination fitted. If you ever replace a chain make sure it's the same length as the one removed. Debris in the chain and/or derailleur. Incorrectly indexed gears.
Why won't my rear derailleur shift up?
Often sluggish and reluctant shifts are due to debris buildup between the shift housing and the shift cable, kinks in the cable and/or housing, or worn out housing. As above, make sure your derailleur, hanger, and cassette are tight, and your wheel is properly seated and tight.
How do I know if my rear derailleur is bad?
All derailleurs wear out at some point. Check for wear by pulling laterally on the lower cage. Compare this movement in the linkage of a new derailleur. Sloppy pivot and linkages will produce inconsistent shifting, and the only solution is a new derailleur.
Why does my bike not move when I pedal?
1:427:56Pedals Turn But Rear Wheel Doesn't - Bike Won't Move - How To FixYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey just kind of stay stuck down and so when you pedal forward they just slip over the teeth. AndMoreThey just kind of stay stuck down and so when you pedal forward they just slip over the teeth. And the wheel doesn't turn. So in that case what you want to do is flush out the old grease.
How do you service a derailleur gear?
0:344:50How To Tune & Maintain Your Bike Gears With Dan Atherton - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can hear the chain start to skip. And if he carried on it would drop in here just make sure.MoreYou can hear the chain start to skip. And if he carried on it would drop in here just make sure. It's running smoothly on the Bob. Here then with your hand push this aralia up through the gears.
Do derailleur springs wear out?
That said, derailleur springs will lose tension overtime, and pivots will get sloppier. Shifters can wear out too (if you ride enough), and most cannot be serviced back to health. But before you go sinking money into these more expensive components, best try a new cable/housing or get a second opinion.
Can I use chain lube on derailleur?
0:004:30How to Lube a Bike Chain and Tune the Derailleur in 5 Minutes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSure you can just use any type of chain lube.MoreSure you can just use any type of chain lube.
How to replace rear derailleur?
How to Replace a Rear Derailleur. First, remove the chain. Most chains use some sort of quick removal link to make this easy, so look for that first. If not, break your chain with a chain tool or, if your chain is joined by a connecting pin, by removing the pin (use a new pin to rejoin the chain).
What is a rear derailleur?
The rear derailleur is like a World Tour Team’s strongest domestique: one of the hardest working, but rarely appreciated parts of the overall equation. Few of us really appreciate how integral the rear derailleur is until it stops functioning perfectly. Then you’re stuck with, at best, an imprecise and clattery ride. So the next time you climb with little—well, a little less—effort, give a nod to this marvel of engineering. Here’s how it works—plus tips to keep it running like new.
How to check chain alignment?
To check alignment with the largest cog, rotate the pedal forward and push the rear derailleur so that the chain shifts to the largest cog. If the pulleys take the chain beyond the largest cog, screw the low adjuster inward until this stops.
How does a shifter cable work?
When you shift to a smaller ring or cog, the shifter cable releases the rear derailleur, which swings outward, taking up chain slack and causing the pulleys to pull the chain onto a smaller sprocket. If everything is set up correctly, your rear derailleur should make one clean shift for every click of your shifter.
What to do if your bike chain doesn't move?
If your chain doesn’t move when you shift, or it skips cogs, your rear derailleur may be out of alignment. Hop off your bike and do this: Shift your chain into the biggest chainring and smallest cog, then loosen the cable clamp bolt (where the cable attaches to the derailleur). Leave the derailleur in the smallest cog and adjust ...
How to adjust cable tension on a chain?
To adjust cable tension, use the barrel adjuster. The guide pulley keeps the chain in line as it moves from cog to cog during shifts. The idler pulley helps hold tension on the chain regardless of gear choice. The mounting bolt connects the derailleur to the frame.
What is the cable bolt on a Shimano shifter?
The cable bolt pinches the shift cable in place. On most derailleurs, when the shift lever pulls on the cable, the derailleur moves up the cassette to a lower gear. The exception: Shimano’s low-normal derailleurs, on which it does the opposite. The cage keeps the chain in line between the pulleys.