Is this normal?...Campagnolo Corsa RD
 

The jockey wheels were seized so I disassembled and cleaned them. Years of caked dry grease inside. Still stiff to turn them so most likely new ball bearings are needed.

My question, is it normal for the RD to remain stretched out like this? When compressed it springs out again. Thanks in advance.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...a464e59ffb.jpg

You're missing a part. Round up the cage-stop screw, rotate the cage ccw about 180 degrees and install the cage-stop screw. It goes in the threaded collar, seen below the lower pivot bolt in your photo.

Voila - sorted :)

DD

Thanks for pointing that out and also the cage stop screw has snapped inside :( It was part of the parts lot I purchased.

I'll have to perform surgery when I'm calm and have more patience.

That's rather strange the screw is broken off - the derailleur looks nearly NOS. I hope you can get out the broken-off bit and find a reasonably-priced replacement.

DD

The cage stop screw is not required for the proper functioning of the derailleur. Its sole purpose is to keep the cage in a position to facilitate installation and removal of the chain and the derailleur itself.

But it can be a big PITA not to have it when swapping the rear wheel.

-Kurt

Hell yes it can be! The collar part broke off one of my NRs bitd, and as a result each time I took the wheel out it the RD snapped around and I always ended up with dirty hands after getting the wheel back in. While technically "not required", the stop screw is certainly there for a damned good reason :)

DD