Spacer on Shimano Hub?

Caller
Caller Posts: 124
edited May 2013 in Workshop
I've been trying to figure out why the shifting on my bike doesn't seem too good and noticed that there is no shim behind the cassette, on the free hub.

The hub is a Shimano R500 and is compatible with 8, 9 or 10 speed apparently. With no shim fitted, the cassette feels secure.
My other wheels are Shimano RS30's and they are also suitable for 8, 9 or 10 speed. The cassette on there has the 1mm shim fitted.

Do all Shimano freehubs need the shim fitted if they're running 10 speed?

Comments

  • jomoj
    jomoj Posts: 777
    yes I think so unless they are 10 speed specific - which I think only applies to one model of dura ace hub.

    the cassette might feel secure but could be moving under load when you're pedalling. Alternatively, could be any number of other things that are stiff, loose or out of tune...
  • sungod
    sungod Posts: 17,531
    for an 8/9-speed hub, with a shimano* 10-speed cassette you need to fit the spacer (should be supplied with the cassette, but you can buy replacements)

    * except for 10-speed tiagra cassettes, which, like sram ones, do not need a spacer
    my bike - faster than god's and twice as shiny
  • I7 Extreme
    I7 Extreme Posts: 228
    where would i get a spacer from? i think i have a shimano 105 5600 cassette and my lockrings done up as tight as it goes and the cassette just wobbles, an do those plastic things which stop the chain hitting the spokes work as spacers?
  • freezing77
    freezing77 Posts: 731
    I7 Extreme wrote:
    where would i get a spacer from? i think i have a shimano 105 5600 cassette and my lockrings done up as tight as it goes and the cassette just wobbles, an do those plastic things which stop the chain hitting the spokes work as spacers?

    Here http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/shimano-1mm-cassette-spacer-11e-0300-prod6776/

    6776.jpg

    And no those plastic things (dork discs) do not act as spacers.
  • rrsodl
    rrsodl Posts: 486
    I get confused with these spacers. Last year I was fitting an 8 speed cassette to a Mavis Aksium wheel. The instructions stated that a spacer (provided) should be use with a 10 speed cassette and yet the 8 speed cassette felt loose without it. I added the spacer just to see what effect would have and the cassette fitted perfectly. The gears change very smoothly so the spacer has no detrimental effect that I can see or feel. On the other hand, the 8 speed cassette without the spacer will not work.
  • freezing77
    freezing77 Posts: 731
    RRSODL wrote:
    I get confused with these spacers. Last year I was fitting an 8 speed cassette to a Mavis Aksium wheel. The instructions stated that a spacer (provided) should be use with a 10 speed cassette and yet the 8 speed cassette felt loose without it. I added the spacer just to see what effect would have and the cassette fitted perfectly. The gears change very smoothly so the spacer has no detrimental effect that I can see or feel. On the other hand, the 8 speed cassette without the spacer will not work.

    I agree with you as to regard the confusion.
  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    all covered in an FAQ. viewtopic.php?f=40101&t=12905742

    a spacer is not always needed.

    and if your cassette is not moving sounds like poor set up.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • I7 Extreme
    I7 Extreme Posts: 228
    Thanks for the help guys, soon my bike will be ready to ride