front derailleur problems

mrlewis
mrlewis Posts: 60
edited February 2011 in MTB workshop & tech
hello everyone,

im having a problem with my front derailleur. im not sure whats happened but after a ride a week ago i noticed that i couldnt shift the front gears. anyways ive had a good look at it today and its stif as dung. ive wd40'd it and it moves (not as freely as id expect).

so i tried to set it up again retentioning cable and setting it up but it was almost imposiable to shift gears and the cable just kept getting loose no matter how tight i tightened it.

can anybody help me? id be extremely greatful!
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Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,675
    WD40 has no place near a bike.

    sounds like new cables are needed or at least cleaned an lubes.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • getprg
    getprg Posts: 245
    WD40 has no place near a bike.
    Whilst I agree that WD40 should be used sparingly on a bike it can be useful if eg the front mech has seized or is gummed up with muck and grit.

    Seized front mechs are not unusual on mtb's or road bikes ridden without mudguards in winter. Cumulative mud or road salt plays havoc with them - regular oiling of the pivots (with a simple light oil like 3in1 or even motor oil will usually keep them free running).

    Last week my son asked me to rescue his mtb with seized front mech which had been abused by him and 8 mates in his student house in Newcastle - a whole new meaning for the house bike :shock:

    Despite adjusting the cable (by loosening 3 times at the changer and then retightening cable) it still worked loose. I then popped the cable and outer out of all the stops and close inspection revealed that the outer at the lever end had been stripped for about 1.5cms by the ferrule. One of the housemates must have forced the lever whilst the mech was seized. Solution required - new outer and ferrule at the lever end and new inner cable just in case.

    Unfortunately I didn't have all the tools required with me so popped it into Edinburgh Cycle Coop - £9 job for the lot - they currently have a half price labour offer.

    Can't guarantee you have same problem but cleaning front mech with wd40 (use a washing up brush to give it a scrub - but use an old one :? ) then oiling all the pivots and popping the inner and outer cable out of the stops and inspecting/cleaning/oiling the cable is a good place to start.

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