1989Pre 

My Suntour Vx needs new pulleys, so I put this Deore LX (9-sp) derailleur on just for the time-being, and it was fine for 35 miles today. Then, right after the turn-around point on my ride, it was binding terribly (was up against the freewheel) and appeared twisted (not straight). Some type of reinforcement clip under the cage (see photo) has become dis-connected at one end. This seems to be at least part of the problem. I was running it 5-sp friction, and it was doing great until this. I rode home on the middle sprocket, and made good use of the triple crank. Can this underside clip be re-positioned and repaired?

Eric F 

That "clip" is part of the parallelogram structure that is the foundation for how the derailleur moves. It seems that the pin that attaches it to the body at the upper end has come out (never seen that before). Repair may be possible, but a replacement derailleur might be the better choice.

smd4

Those pins are peened in place, and even if you want to remove them it’s nearly impossible. I wouldn’t know how to remove one to save my life. I’ve never seen this before either.

But hey, we get a good look at the high limit stop!

maddog34

Other than the pin coming out of the Derailleur, the Derailleur.HANGER is Bent, and the Chain is NOT the correct chain to use with that Derailleur.. see how the pins of the chain Protrude from the link plates? Those long chain pins will get caught on the Der. Cage and wear it out in a big hurry! You need to get a chain made for 6-7-8 speed use if you want to use a Derailleur meant for 6-7-8-9 speed bikes.
The internal width of a 6-7-8 sp. chain will still fit the 5 sp. Freewheel teeth.

smd4

I wonder where one would even be able to obtain appropriate pivot pins? I doubt Shimano sells them separately. Find a derailleur in even worse shape for cheap and sacrifice it for the pin—and then struggle to remove it? I think the derailleur is trash at this point.

Andrew R Stewart 

I agree! But one could add a thin washer onto either side of the pulleys to widen the cage and better clear the chain.

I have done two der parallelogram pivot pin replacements, both on Campy NR units way long ago. While we (Geo Rennies Bicycle Shop) had replacement pins on hand they were of a different diameter so I turned a few on my small lathe. Worth the experience but I wouldn't do it again. Andy

Schweinhund

a nail would probably work. nails are made every way you can think of, galvey, electroplate, aluminum, brass, even stainless. I bet there's something that would be close. then use a punch to reset it.

smd4

Ooh, I think I’d want something a little more precision and higher quality than a nail.

Schweinhund

lol, it's a steel pin that supports a stamped sheetmetal parallelogram piece. I doubt it's even hardened.
A steel nail would be fine as long as the diameter is ok. plus, the derailleur is junk otherwise, what's there to lose?

smd4

OK, you got me there!

t2p

1989Pre 

Humpf! I better get my Suntour Vx GT back on there. I was really enjoying the smoothness-of-operation of the Deore, even thought it is about 90g heavier. I might even make a point of putting a paper clip in my saddle bag for future rides. Thanks for the help, people.

Schweinhund

Is that all you have in derailleurs? If you need one post in iso...

Iride01 

Why not just buy a new derailleur? They aren't very expensive unless you think you have to have the best of the best.

1989Pre 

The Vx is period-correct, but not French. I wouldn't mind having a Huret (Allvit) Super Touring, Luxe Competition, Eco or Sachs/Huret New Success, but I'm not sure that any of them are really upgrades from the Vx. Right now, the Manufrance (the bike in the photos) has a Suntour Cyclone (6000), which happened to be idle because the Technium is being painted. I do like to stay period- and place-correct, though.

GamblerGORD53

Just ride your OTHER bikes. LOL.

smd4

Unless you have a serious museum piece, and want to keep it that way, I just never understood this.

Schweinhund

I understand, but I don't empathize unless it's like my Mt Tam or Stumpjumper, 99 percent original.

Eric F 

It matters to some people. It's not really different that restoring old cars. Some people prefer to keep the original look/parts. Some prefer to resto-mod. Some just want it to run. When I rebuilt my father's '77 Nishiki a few years ago, using original parts from that era, almost all from one groupo, was a primary intent for my project. At some point, the frame might get repainted to new condition, but for now, it's just a good example of a high-end race machine from the late-'70s. Building it with a mish-mash of mixed parts would not have been as satisfying to me.

Schweinhund

If you decide you want to slum it for a while, here's an RD-MC12 with a extremely strong cage spring and low mileage. it's only about 30 years old....

Eric F 

I have at least a couple from that era in one of my parts boxes. They may or may not be in better condition.

Schweinhund

That was just out of the random pile of derailleurs on my desk atm.

Schweinhund

The sad truth, this isn't including the horde in the garage.

1989Pre 

LX is in the trash and temporary replacement Suntour is installed. the Cyclone 6000 may not have the 65mm pulley spacing of the Vx GT, but it does have 57mm's, and that should be enough to negotiate the triple crankset. This will do until I get the new pulleys for the Vx.

maddog34

you'll be wanting a new Shift Cable too... yikes!