My shifting problems. Plese help!!!

jamazin
jamazin Posts: 371
edited October 2010 in MTB workshop & tech
Hi guys, just wondering if i could get some advice on my shifting problems.

Basically, i have an x9 rear derailleur and an x5 shifter. Lately the shifter will not allow me to shift below gear 5 or 6 so i cannot get into the easier gears. This results as my cable seems to be so tight and can not physically pull the derailleur up any further. I think this is a lack of cable maintenance. will i have to buy a new cable or shifter or both?
Any help appreciated thanks guys.

oh and this happened quite suddenly, it worked fine before hand.
Mabie forest. Maybe one of the greatest places to ride.

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    bent mech hanger?

    incorrectly set stops?

    will the mech physically move into the big cogs.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • jamazin
    jamazin Posts: 371
    yes it will, its just the cable thats unbeelievably tight. for the first time in 2 weeks i have just forced it upp into the larger cogs. the cable is inexplicably tight though. do you think i should just loosen the cable on the derailleur?
    Mabie forest. Maybe one of the greatest places to ride.
  • jamazin
    jamazin Posts: 371
    and th hanger seems to be fine this time
    Mabie forest. Maybe one of the greatest places to ride.
  • ride_whenever
    ride_whenever Posts: 13,279
    undo the cable from the mech and see if the shifter and mech both work independantly

    then check the cable is set properly in the shifter.
    Neeermad
    Carbon 456
    456 lefty
    Pompino
    White Inbred
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    you dont need to undo the cable to see if it has full movement on the mech.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • ride_whenever
    ride_whenever Posts: 13,279
    but you do for the shifter...
    Neeermad
    Carbon 456
    456 lefty
    Pompino
    White Inbred
  • ride_whenever
    ride_whenever Posts: 13,279
    I'm thinking the nipple has moved in the shifter.
    Neeermad
    Carbon 456
    456 lefty
    Pompino
    White Inbred
  • Alinshearah
    Alinshearah Posts: 339
    I didn't read the 'f' in the title of the thread. :lol:
  • freefly_mong
    freefly_mong Posts: 65
    If it has just suddenly happened and you get free movement from the mech, it would suggest the shifter is playing up. Check the shifter first by slackening the cable, either on the derailler or be releasing the cable outers from the retainers/bosses on the frame. Pull lightly on the cable and at the same time operate the shifter and see if it works through its range. If it does then it would seem to be OK and the problem could be the cables. If not them your shifter need looking at.

    The most obvious problem is crap in the shifter. Try soaking in warm water to soften any mud, put some high pressue water through it and then squirt lots of WD40/GT85 into it to dispel the water and any grit. This may flush the crap out of the shifter. If you try this it may mean yo can avoid stripping it down. Hopefully this will fix your problem. 9 out of 10 its the shifter as this is the most complex part.

    Also always clean and lube you bike, it will keep shifting sweet. Its easily overlooked and the crap builds up in cables etc.

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