Seized SRAM x7 jockey wheels

Obs1dian
Obs1dian Posts: 88
edited March 2011 in MTB workshop & tech
I have had my X7 derailleur for a few weeks and it has clocked up approximately 50 miles. After last weekend's Wiggle Southern Rough Ride - 35 miles of a lot of mud. The jockey wheels have completely seized. They were okay just after I washed my bike but a day later they were seized.

I have tried cleaning with GT85 and lubing them. The only way they move is if I loosen the screw.

I have seen other people with similar problems on x9 etc. and is it REALLY the case that you have to buy new jockey wheels? If so this is a poor product.

By the way: both are completely seized.

Comments

  • cooldad
    cooldad Posts: 32,599
    Take them to bits and clean them out. Simple job.
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  • Obs1dian
    Obs1dian Posts: 88
    When you say take them to bits... well, I have. There are four components, the wheel itself, two 'plates' which go either side and the screw. Am I missing something?
  • birchy
    birchy Posts: 309
    Ok looking at one flat on a surface from the centre out should look something like this the inner circle shoud be metal the a black circle about 3mm wide then metal again then the actual jockey wheel itself, you need to get a needle and carefully lift the black ring in between the 2 metal circles. Does this by put needle between the metal and black ring and lifting carefully don't bend it as you need to put it back in afterwards.
    underneath you should see the actual bearings you need to clean the 'race' out by spraying gt 85 or something similar to get the crap out then re pack with grease and put the black ring back in place push it home and you should be good to go hope this helps :)
  • Obs1dian
    Obs1dian Posts: 88
    birchy: yes, thank you! I didn't know whether it was safe to start digging around before you said this. Great answer :D Will try this and report back.
  • birchy
    birchy Posts: 309
    Sorry about the bad grammer, i was cooking tea at the same time as typing :lol:
    You may need to take the black seal of both sides in order to get everything flushed out and give the seals ( the black rings) a wipe with some kitchen roll so all is clean when you put it back together, also make sure the innner metal ring is turning freely before you put the grease in and press the seals home.
  • Obs1dian
    Obs1dian Posts: 88
    Well I've done exactly as you said - I saw that both seals did need to come off. There was an unbelievable amount of crud in there and the bearings are well sealed compared to Shimano ones I've used previously (on a different mech of course). Both jockey wheels are now completely cleared out, cleaned and repacked with grease. They are working like a dream again and I've got my wonderful shifting back.

    Cheers birchy!
  • d3matt
    d3matt Posts: 510
    SRAM jockey wheels is a common issue on the forum recently.
    My X9 jockey wheels were seizing up between rides, even when just a few weeks old and after cleaning each time. The seals/bearings on SRAM jockey wheels are useless. I wasn't taken the bearing itself apart, but was just cleaning the outside and the plates. I've now upgraded to KCNC jockey wheels and they are sooo much better. But they fit the later X9 and X0, but may not fit the X7 unless yours has the single central bolt hole in each. More details here.
    Riding this Boardman Team FS 2010. Also trying my first blog.
  • jimexbox
    jimexbox Posts: 200
    If its the latest X7 I would be interested to see if they are the same useless wheels d3matt has provided a link for? Has Sram got a duff lot left over from the X0 range they want rid of?
  • d3matt
    d3matt Posts: 510
    After looking at the SRAM parts manual (relevant section here), the 2010-2011 3x9 X7 is the same as the X9 model - i.e. same jockey wheels.
    Riding this Boardman Team FS 2010. Also trying my first blog.
  • jimexbox
    jimexbox Posts: 200
    As far as I'm concerned its not fit for purpose. Unfortunately its not as simple as returning it and choosing a different manufacturer unless you want to buy new shifters as well.
  • Obs1dian
    Obs1dian Posts: 88
    The wheels are exactly the same as those in the link.
    Edit: The derailleur is also the new style 3x9 x7.

    Having lifted off the black seals (in between the silver rings) I could see the bearings which were very red/black with rust/gunk.

    I used GT85 to blast the crud out, then used a standard bike cleaner and brush to get rid of the more stubborn stuff, followed by another blast of GT85, packed them with grease. Additionally, all throughout this cleaning process I was working the wheels back and forth between my fingers by holding them in the middle where the screw would normally go.

    After replacing the seals and wiping away excess grease they now run very smoothly once again. I am dreading having to do this after every wet or muddy ride though. Fortunately the weather is picking up a bit around these parts.
  • jimexbox
    jimexbox Posts: 200
    Obs1dian wrote:
    I am dreading having to do this after every wet or muddy ride though. Fortunately the weather is picking up a bit around these parts.

    Trust me you will, I've had to take both mine off 4 times since January.

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