[mellow_sparky]

So it seems that my rapid-fire shift levers are requiring more force than they probably should to change gears (especially when pushing the lower lever to shift "up" to a lower gear).

I don't really know where to begin. Does this usually indicate the need to replace the cable (because gunk has gotten in the cable housing) or is it simply that the levers need to be lubed?

Any thoughts on the best way to approach this?

Thanks

 

[moff_quigley]

New cables and housing. Clean up the derailleur real good and shoot all the pivots with some Tri-Flow (or similar). Regrease the jockey pulleys. If that doesn't work you might take a look at the shifter. Messing with the shifter is more complicated so try the other stuff first.

 

[mellow_sparky]

Thanks for the info - two questions:
- do you put any grease on the large return spring on the bottom of the mech?
- is a cable change reasonably straight forward for someone who is mechanically minded (I used to do cable changes back in the days of the old thumb shifters - but i've not done it on a newer bike yet).

 

[oldfart]

Agreed. 99% of the time it is simply an old gunked up cable and housing. That stuff should be replaced fairly frequently. Not much you want to do to a Shimano shifter. They are complex and not easily put back together. But remove the cable and put in a nerw one with new housing and see. If it is still stiff, you could hit it with a bunch of degreaser, wd40, blow it out as best as you can, let it dry and then triflow it.

 

[moff_quigley]

Thanks for the info - two questions:
- do you put any grease on the large return spring on the bottom of the mech?

Don't know that it is necessary, but I guess it wouldn't hurt.

- is a cable change reasonably straight forward for someone who is mechanically minded (I used to do cable changes back in the days of the old thumb shifters - but i've not done it on a newer bike yet).

Pretty simple, IMO. It's easier to change the cable on the Shimano units I've owned compared to the SRAMs I've had. But both are fairly straight forward.

 

[zebrahum]

I would skip greasing the spring unless it has a problem. It's more likely to attract dust if it's lubricated and then it'll get messy. I have to disagree with oldfart when he says use WD-40, it's not a lubricant, it's a degreaser. White Lightning epic works much better for that, but it shouldn't be needed at all.

Cut your housing the same length as the old one and put the new pieces on. Then put in the new cable and you'll be amazed you didn't do this sooner.

 

[oldfart]

I would skip greasing the spring unless it has a problem. It's more likely to attract dust if it's lubricated and then it'll get messy. I have to disagree with oldfart when he says use WD-40, it's not a lubricant, it's a degreaser. White Lightning epic works much better for that, but it shouldn't be needed at all.

QUOTE]

I know it's really a solvent that's why you would use it to disolve old cacked up lube in the shifter. Read my post again. I suggested using wd40 or degreaser to clean the shifter. Then blow it out with compressed air or your lungs, let it dry and then follow up with Tri flow.

 

[mellow_sparky]

Thanks for all the info here folks - I'm guessing the cables are 99% of my problem, so I'm going to start with that. Replacing them looks pretty simple, so I'll pick up a set of XTR cables on ebay and give it a go. Thanks!

 

[zebrahum]

I know it's really a solvent that's why you would use it to disolve old cacked up lube in the shifter. Read my post again. I suggested using wd40 or degreaser to clean the shifter. Then blow it out with compressed air or your lungs, let it dry and then follow up with Tri flow.

My fault, I was reading too fast. Though I've had good luck using just aerosol Tri Flow in shifters. I only use a solvent if the shift ratchets are stuck down and don't respond to the tri flow (like in the old bolt-on pod LX). Unless you're going to be diligent, I think it's best to keep degreasers that leave a film out of mechanicals.

 

[oldfart]

Yeah you're probably right. I did jam a 105 rear shifter about 12 inches into a farm mud during a cross race 10 years ago. I had to spray it with WD40 every day for a week before it worked right. That was more to do with flushing out particulates that de gumming and it worked eventually.