Rear derailleur lateral play

blobbi
blobbi Posts: 42
edited August 2013 in Workshop
I've built up my old steel bike with some campagnolo pieces. Now I have managed to get on some longer rides I went to service it. The rear derailleur has a bit of lateral play and I am concerned that this will lead to it being pushed into the spokes. I have set the limiting screws correctly, it seems to index ok, and the bolt to attach it to the hanger is on securely, there is just some play in the arm and so it is not sitting completely vertical. Can this be fixed?

Comments

  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    If it's not sitting absolutely vertical that suggests the mech hanger is bent. On a steel frame this is usually part of the dropout, and can be straightened out using a large adjustable spanner and a bit of careful leverage.

    The sideways play is more of a concern though, and it might be that there is unacceptable wear in the mech itself.
  • blobbi
    blobbi Posts: 42
    Thanks for the reply

    The hanger is straight. I popped into my LBS and he suggested that it is wear in the rear mech that is unlikely to be repairable. Guess thats what you get for a cheap second hand mech. Back to the forums to find another!
  • rolf_f
    rolf_f Posts: 16,015
    On down tube shiftered bikes with indexing switched off, you can run a worn rear mech indefinitely - it's only really indexing that makes the drivetrain sensitive to wear in the rear mech. If your indexing is working, and the mech can't reach the spokes, I can't see what there is to worry about. I'd be looking for a new rear mech (of same model as the old one so that can serve as spares) but I'd not be in a rush - I'd be waiting to find the best example at the cheapest reasonable price.
    Faster than a tent.......

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