Rear derailleur problem - repair or replace?
10-06-20, 11:45 AM
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Rear derailleur problem - repair or replace?
I have a Schwinn Series 50 PDG with Shimano Deore LX components. It has 21-speeds (3x7) and grip shifters. It is over 20-years old.
The rear derailleur has reached the point where it can't get into the high gear reliably. I have slacked the cable and released the limit screws. If I pull lightly on the derailleur, it will shift to the high gear. I blasted the spring with parts cleaner while moving it back and forth manually but it still doesn't have enough "spring" to get into high gear. The derailleur mounts directly to the frame and it does not appear to be bent.
Is there another fix I can try or should I replace the derailleur?
Thank you in advance for your help!
The rear derailleur has reached the point where it can't get into the high gear reliably. I have slacked the cable and released the limit screws. If I pull lightly on the derailleur, it will shift to the high gear. I blasted the spring with parts cleaner while moving it back and forth manually but it still doesn't have enough "spring" to get into high gear. The derailleur mounts directly to the frame and it does not appear to be bent.
Is there another fix I can try or should I replace the derailleur?
Thank you in advance for your help!
Last edited by JaxPlanet; 10-06-20 at 06:10 PM.
10-07-20, 07:58 AM
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If it shifts fine in the other gears, ruling out chain/cassette issues, and the hanger is truly not bent, it is most likely the derailleur.
10-07-20, 08:51 AM
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Thank you for the quick reply and confirming that it is the derailleur. Do you know if there is a way to repair it or should I just replace it?
10-07-20, 10:34 AM
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Thank you again!
Regarding a replacement, I am not seeing many 7-speed derailleurs. I have read that 8/9-speed can be adjusted to work on a 7-speed cassette with 8 being more likely to work than 9. I would like to keep the price under $80 but will go higher, if that won't pay for one that is reliable and lasts. I think the only requirements are that it needs to be a direct mount and needs to be compatible with Shimano grip shifters.
Here are some that look like they might work at Amazon:
Alivio Shimano Rear Derailleur RD-T4000-SGS 9-speed
SHIMANO Deore RD-M592 9-speed
SHIMANO Tourney 7/8-Speed RD-TX800-L
Do you think one of these would be suitable or would you recommend another?
Regarding a replacement, I am not seeing many 7-speed derailleurs. I have read that 8/9-speed can be adjusted to work on a 7-speed cassette with 8 being more likely to work than 9. I would like to keep the price under $80 but will go higher, if that won't pay for one that is reliable and lasts. I think the only requirements are that it needs to be a direct mount and needs to be compatible with Shimano grip shifters.
Here are some that look like they might work at Amazon:
Alivio Shimano Rear Derailleur RD-T4000-SGS 9-speed
SHIMANO Deore RD-M592 9-speed
SHIMANO Tourney 7/8-Speed RD-TX800-L
Do you think one of these would be suitable or would you recommend another?
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10-08-20, 04:48 AM
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I’d disconnect the cable and see if the derailleur will swing through all the gears. If it does it’s the cable or the grip shifter. Then see above post.
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10-10-20, 07:16 PM
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The spring brings it back down and shouldn't keep it from grabbing taller gears. Look to see if the alignment is off. If your shifters are worn, they may not be holding it in gear. REI has a pretty good deal on twist grip package...
https://www.rei.com/product/737410/s...hifter-7-speed
https://www.rei.com/product/737410/s...hifter-7-speed
10-10-20, 07:21 PM
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The spring brings it back down and shouldn't keep it from grabbing taller gears. Look to see if the alignment is off. If your shifters are worn, they may not be holding it in gear. REI has a pretty good deal on twist grip package...
https://www.rei.com/product/737410/s...hifter-7-speed
https://www.rei.com/product/737410/s...hifter-7-speed
10-10-20, 07:42 PM
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