X7 rear shifter problem

Prowler
Prowler Posts: 50
edited April 2008 in MTB workshop & tech
The down shift lever on my brand new 9 speed x7 rear shifter has considerable slack before it catches and it doesn't return after being pushed. The shifting itself works though. Never had any such problems with the old 8 speed unit (x7 also).

Is there any fix an average home mechanic could try? I'd rather not send it back for warranty repair/replacement, since the bike would be dry docked for a week or two.

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    down shift? so which is that? small cog to big cog or...

    cable tensioned correctly? fitted by who? the cassette and chain are 9spd as well?
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • Prowler
    Prowler Posts: 50
    Down = to a smaller gear = to a larger cog

    Since the actual shifting of gears goes both ways without a hitch, I'd say the tension is correct.

    The cassette and chain are 9 speed, the lot fitted by yours truly
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    Ok then how many gears can you get?
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • skyliner
    skyliner Posts: 613
    It'll be due to dirt ingress on the sliding plates in the shifter body. The dirt scores off the coating, and the springs aren't strong enough to overcome the friction between the plates.
    You can effect a short term fix with spray lube or light oil, but long term, replace it.
    It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice.
  • Prowler
    Prowler Posts: 50
    I get all nine gears. The only prob is the sloppy lever.

    As for dirt in the shifter body, there should not be any, as this unit is as it came off the assembly line.

    That gave me an idea though. One source of excess friction could be the outer cable (full lenght ). Only it worked just fine with the old shifter. Also, when I fitted the new shifter, I replaced the inner cable and gave it a lube. Might as well change that too.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    could be a damaged outer. and did you really replace the inner or did you use the one that came as fitted to the shifter?
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • deadpool2e
    deadpool2e Posts: 625
    shouldnt the title for this say shifter not what it does................ :D:D
    http://www.sketchymtb.co.uk/Blah.pl the new XC in Kent


    http://deadpool2e.pinkbike.com/channel/Afan-Vids/

    MOUNTAIN BIKING- The pastime of spending large sums of money you don't really have on something you don't really need.
  • Prowler
    Prowler Posts: 50
    Replaced the supplied inner with shimano cable. Only reason being that with shimano I know what I get. Did that with the previous 8 speeder as well, and it worked fine. Is there a particular reason to use or not to use the supplied inner?

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