Rear derailleurs? Which ones fit? Buying advice?

jimjon
jimjon Posts: 42
edited October 2008 in MTB buying advice
i have been having problems with my chain, its not very smooth to pedal, there is a slight notchyness about it.

I found one of the rear jockey wheels wobbles from side to side about 3mm and the other has a slight movement but the difference between them is easily noticable.

the derailleur is a shimano XT deore and i have 9 gears on the back.

will any derailleur that says its for a 9spd fit? what are the specs to be looking out for?

Should i get another shimano or just replace the jockey wheels on this one?

I'm a bit of a beginner but have learnt with the car that if i don't look into things i end up buying twice and wasting some money

Comments

  • Daz555
    Daz555 Posts: 3,976
    Have you checked the chain for stiff links?
    You only need two tools: WD40 and Duck Tape.
    If it doesn't move and should, use the WD40.
    If it shouldn't move and does, use the tape.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    which jockey wheel moves 3mm?

    and how old is the bike?
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • jimjon
    jimjon Posts: 42
    edited October 2008
    its the highest jockey wheel that moves, i have just taken the chain off to let it soak and clean it up.

    i did wonder if its the gears not setup correctly, i did go through the setup after reading how to do it and it seemed to work alright

    the bike is about 1yr old
  • jimjon
    jimjon Posts: 42
    bike is about 1yr old
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    jimjon wrote:
    its the highest jockey wheel that moves, i have just taken the chain off to let it soak and clean it up.

    i did wonder if its the gears not setup correctly, i did go through the setup after reading how to do it and it seemed to work alright

    the bike is about 1yr old

    it is normal for the top one to have sideways float it helps the set up.

    Sounds like you just need to set everything up correctly.

    How toos are on parktools, linky below.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • jimjon
    jimjon Posts: 42
    i've just taken the two jockey wheels off.

    the one at the bottom spins very smoothly and doesn't really wobble if your holding the bearing. the upper one is a bit gritty when you turn it and the two metal covers that go over bearing are just loose and fall off with ease.

    i think i may just replace these, everything else seems in good order. I noticed the arms of the derailleur that hold the two wheels have scuff marks on the inside edge as if the chain has been catching them as it passes through? is that normal?

    is the deore xt a decent deraillieur?
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    and they will be just the same.

    the top one has about 3mm of side play.

    Clean lube and refit.

    then set your gears up.

    the XT is one from the top.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • jimjon
    jimjon Posts: 42
    thanks for your help :)

    i cleaned the cogs up and put some grease in the one that seems to be in a few parts, cleaned the chain properly, the jockey wheel isn't a very sosphisticated bearing to say the least lol

    seems better now, ill see how it goes after a few rides

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