In-line cable adjusters loosening
Captain Fagor
Posts: 739
Abridged query: has anyone had gear cable barrell adjusters (in-line) that keep winding themselves in (reducing cable tension) on the road, thereby giving constant grief with derailleur settings?
Full query: I have recently had problems with the front derailleur settings on two of my Shimano-clad bikes.
On bike #1 (with a 9sp DA9 double chainset), the chain was rubbing the front derailleur when in the small ring and the small(ish) cogs. This happened on the 6th gear onwards (9sp block) so nowhere near crossover. I checked the cable connections to make sure the cable wasn't slipping (it wasn't) so sorted this on the road by a half turn on the barrel-aduster to add cable tension. But the problem kept coming back. And I kept turning the adjuster to add tension. Hmmmm.......
On bike #2 (a 9sp DA9 triple chainset) I knew I had had gear problems on the White Rose Classic and the Polka Dot. Again, the chain was rubbing the derailleur on the smaller cogs, and constant fiddling with the barrel adjuster was required. I set this bike asside for a while, but wanted to ride it again today. So though I had sorted this last night, with the internal barrell poking out a mm or two. On today's 106 mile ride, the bastard started rubbing again, and I noticed that the internal barrel had returned inside the external. So that was why I was always having to add tension, because for some reason the barrel adjuster won't keep the tension! Needless to say, I was tinkering with the thing on and off for over 6.5hrs, and am a bit peeved.
Can anyone offer a solution? Preferably one that doesn't involve the word "Campag". And in case you think I'm antio-campag, I'm not. I have 3 shimano bikes and 3 campag bikes, and like them all.
:?:
Full query: I have recently had problems with the front derailleur settings on two of my Shimano-clad bikes.
On bike #1 (with a 9sp DA9 double chainset), the chain was rubbing the front derailleur when in the small ring and the small(ish) cogs. This happened on the 6th gear onwards (9sp block) so nowhere near crossover. I checked the cable connections to make sure the cable wasn't slipping (it wasn't) so sorted this on the road by a half turn on the barrel-aduster to add cable tension. But the problem kept coming back. And I kept turning the adjuster to add tension. Hmmmm.......
On bike #2 (a 9sp DA9 triple chainset) I knew I had had gear problems on the White Rose Classic and the Polka Dot. Again, the chain was rubbing the derailleur on the smaller cogs, and constant fiddling with the barrel adjuster was required. I set this bike asside for a while, but wanted to ride it again today. So though I had sorted this last night, with the internal barrell poking out a mm or two. On today's 106 mile ride, the bastard started rubbing again, and I noticed that the internal barrel had returned inside the external. So that was why I was always having to add tension, because for some reason the barrel adjuster won't keep the tension! Needless to say, I was tinkering with the thing on and off for over 6.5hrs, and am a bit peeved.
Can anyone offer a solution? Preferably one that doesn't involve the word "Campag". And in case you think I'm antio-campag, I'm not. I have 3 shimano bikes and 3 campag bikes, and like them all.
:?:
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Comments
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would it be possible to apply Locktite Blue for a resolution?Cajun0
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I have a similar problem with a DA 10 speed triple - I can set it up perfectly in the garage and then after a few miles 8,9 and 10 when on the big cog at the front start rubbing. I must look at the adjuster and see if it appears to be moving!
Meanwhile any ideas welcome0 -
I have known this happen for the following reason, which may, or may not, help you.
It is possible that when you turn the adjuster to tension or relax the cable you are exerting a twist on the cable outer cover. When you stop adjusting, all looks well but over time the outer cable undoes its twist and turns the adjuster with it.
A solution is to grip the outer cable as you make the adjustment , so keeping it in position and free from any turning stress. Not easy to do on the move, I admit.
Cheers, Phil0 -
Cajun - I don't fancy threadlock as it'll prevent future adjustability.
Rob_mcp - I'm glad I'm not the only one! I find it a real pain in the arse, and can really detract from the enjoyment of some rides.
Phil Russell - I understand your suggestion. I hadn't thought of that! Unfortunately, my cable outers seem to be captive when I turn the adjuster. Or at least they don when I adjust themj in the comfort of my home. Perhaps I turn them in a different way when riding: I'll check to see what happens next time out on't road. Meanwhile, the mystery continues.....
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Hello again
Not sure exactly what you mean by the outers being 'captive'. Adjusters I have seen allow the adjuster to turn (so as to screw / unscrew) while the outer cable does not move i.e. the cable outer does not turn with the adjuster. If it does then I think the outer is stuck in the adjuster. You can usually cure this by lightly pulling the outer cable back from the adjuster while turning the adjuster.
Or am I missing a point somewhere?
Cheers, Phil0 -
I found the best thing to do was to only have a very short run at one end (I have about 2" between the adjuster and the STI), and make sure that is the side that spins.
Mine seem fine.0 -
Phil - your understanding of the adjuster operation is the same as mine. When I said "captive" I meant that the outer didn't turn when I turned the adjuster.
I might try disconnecting the cables, and turning the adjusters so that they're nearer the middle of their adjjustability. At the moment I have them near the end of the range giving highest tension, which means you can see the inner poking out by a mm or two. This is how I ddiagnosed the problem to start off with.
Perhaps if everything is re-connected nearer the middle of the range the problem will go away. No real logic being applied here, but I'm clutching at straws now. One thing though - I won't be able to see if the adjusters are continuing to "unravel".0
