'servicing' Shimano shifters

jordan_217

My 10spd 6700 Ultegra shifters (both left and right) are gradually becoming harder and harder to shift across to change gear, there's a noticeable amount of resistance. I don't mean they're not as slick as when new, they require concerted finger effort!

I've not long replaced all inner and outer cables, and the rest of the groupset appears ok. With no cables connected the shifters still provide resistance. I've tried a spray of teflon lube inside the shifter, at the pivot area but no joy…

Shifters are two years old and covered about 13-14k miles. The bike goes out no matter what the weather but it's been looked after.

Any ideas/advice on what to check for or attempt to remedy this? I'm not sure how true the stories are about the can of worms that is the inside of a shifter and don't want to mess them up even more.

dgunthor

i'd get some new shifters, that's a lot of mileage, they are probably just worn

dgunthor

only other suggestion is to use shimano SP41 outer cable and polymer coated inner - best setup you can get

mercia_man

Your "can of worms" fear is apt. I once tried to dismantle a sticky right hand Shimano RSX STI shifter and bits flew out everywhere. I would not call it user serviceable.

jermas

Try cleaning/degreasing them first, then relube. I've got some ultegras still shifting perfectly with nearly 50k miles that have been cleaned/relubed many times. I know in theory they're supposed to be lubricated for life but, If using them regularly in wet weather, I think it's better to lube.

earth

How do you degrease and relube a shifter?

jermas

I use holts brake cleaner to flush them out. Let them dry, then re-lube. I use motul "off road" motorcycle chain spray - it's not too thick or sticky and stays clean( great for chains too). You could use many other lube sprays as long as they aren't too thick/sticky.
Some solvent brake cleaners react with plastic so be careful but, I've had no problems.

earth

How do you get it into the shifter?

jermas

Peel back the rubber covers enough to see the workings.

marcusjb

dgunthor wrote:

i'd get some new shifters, that's a lot of mileage, they are probably just worn

That's not exceptionally high mileage (well above average though) and certainly shouldn't be enough to wear them out - replacing them should be the last option, rather than the first as they are far from cheap.

I have 6700 shifters on a bike that has done 25K miles (and jermas gives an example of 50K miles).

I trickle a little 3 in 1 into them once a year (ish). Been faultless through horrible weather conditions.

You really don't want to take them apart though - I have never done STI shifters, but I once had the pleasure of dismantling some 8-speed rapid fire shifters with a snapped cable that wouldn't come out at all. I still spend hundreds of pounds every year on the therapy to help erase the memories.

jordan_217

Thanks for the responses. Looks like some concentrated TLC tonight before I condemn them to pasture. Would rather not have to replace, as marcusjb states - they aren't cheap.

I've had a google around and it seems a flush and lube is as much as I can do.

TBH the shifting on my Enigma has never been great, not sure if that has to do with cable routing or just dodgy shifters from the outset.

I also need to replace my wheels as I'm on borrowed time with worn rims - Great!!

earth

jermas wrote:

Peel back the rubber covers enough to see the workings.

I guess you use an aerosol with a straw on the nozzle like you get with WD40, put that into the shifter and give it a blast?

DKay

earth wrote:

jermas wrote:

Peel back the rubber covers enough to see the workings.

I guess you use an aerosol with a straw on the nozzle like you get with WD40, put that into the shifter and give it a blast?

Yes, go nuts with it. Don't be shy. Then relube.

I bet they function perfectly afterwards.

jordan_217

Will see what happens tomorrow after the lube has had time to work. Early signs show little improvement. The left hand lever is aweful, even with no cables fitted.

TBH the only parts of the groupset that are doing ok is the brakes and inner chain ring. The rear mech needed a soak in diesel a few months ago, as it was seizing up. I think I may need to prepare myself to start replacing parts. Hey ho - all consumable parts and I've defo had my moneys worth. Just typical that my wheels also need replacing too.

This time next month my bike will be like Triggers broom!