skinnyone

I recently started having trouble with my 105 triple front derailleur. I adjusted the cable tension a bit but in tinkering along, changed the limit settings and now, it feels fine up shifting but downshifting is a royal pain. the first shift only moves the cage a little bit and it doesnt get into the middle ring. The next shift, gets it all the way from the big ring to the granny ring.

Not sure why the throws are different for the different shifts. Any ideas?
Thanks,

Retro Grouch 

How many positions does your shifter have?

Panthers007

Trying to adjust a front-derailleur that's already mounted on a bike is often an extremely frustrating act. And it doesn't usually fix the problem. Or it may fix one thing - and knock two more out of whack. So the best solution is to start from scratch. Here's my 'copy & paste' that addresses this situation, as well as gives direction to get it working smoothly:
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Take the cable off the FD. Now install it from scratch as per Park Tool Repair:

https://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=75

And BicycleTutor:

https://bicycletutor.com/adjust-front-derailer/

When you have it properly trimmed and are ready for the cable - a new one wouldn't hurt - you want to pull the cable taut - not too tight, taut. Then apply 48 to 60 inch-pounds to the pinch-bolt. Then put it through it's paces.

It's always easier and faster to install a FD from square-one, than it is to make adjustments with it already attached. This tends to fix one thing - while throwing another out of kilter. Start fresh. You'll get it.

Adding a barrel-adjuster can solve many problems with the cable coming loose - or being too tight.

FlatMaster

Sounds like too much friction in the cable housing. Try holding the derailure in a position that there's slack in the cable, and try moving the cable through the housing by hand. Is there too much friction?

Retro Grouch 

Absolutely correct!

HillRider

I'll assume the problems started when you started tinkering. If the derailleur was shifting properly before the tinkering, the limit screws should never be touched until you are CERTAIN one of them is not correctly adjusted.

I agree with Panthers007 and Retro Grouch. At this point, go back to square one and begin the set-up process from scratch. While you are at it, do check the cable and housing for free movement and that they are in good condition.

If all of this fails to correct the problem, then consider that the brifter may be at fault.

Al1943

Remember that your shifters have 4 main positions for the 3 chainrings. Don't expect to do it all with 3 clicks.

Al

FBinNY 

Go back to square one. First adjust the cable/trim screw for best trim on the middle chainring. (I always do the middle first because that the only one I can't fine tune with the limits) Next, shift to the inner and adjust the trim using the inner (L) limit screw. Step three, back off the outer (H) limit and shift to the largest chainring by pulling on the bare wire at the downtube. Set the outer (H) limit so the FD clears the crank, and won't allow over shifting. With the inner and outer limits OK shift both up and down through all three rings, using the cable adjuster to bet the best balance of shifts in either direction. If necessary, you can tweak the limits.

skinnyone

Thanks for the advise gentlemen. Ill if there is too much friction in the housing and then, off with everything and put in a new cable.

Thanks,