My gears have suddenly stopped working!
- Thread starter aclarss
- Start date
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gbb
Squire
- Location
- Peterborough
What shifters aclarss ?
At the end of the day, you have to either put it in the shop or start testing each part, ie, disconnect the cable at the RD and see if the RD moves across the sprocket freely. Then, gripping the cable end, shift through the gears, feeling if there is pull each time on the cable. It could be your shifter is kaput, it could be sticky gunked up cables, itcould be a broken rear mech, it could be yourrear mech hanger is bent ...etc etc
At the end of the day, you have to either put it in the shop or start testing each part, ie, disconnect the cable at the RD and see if the RD moves across the sprocket freely. Then, gripping the cable end, shift through the gears, feeling if there is pull each time on the cable. It could be your shifter is kaput, it could be sticky gunked up cables, itcould be a broken rear mech, it could be yourrear mech hanger is bent ...etc etc
smokeysmoo
Legendary Member
- Location
- Bolton, not very far from Nob End
A common culprit is the final short section of cable before the rear mech.
The inner cable seizes in the outer if not maintained.
FYI - I put a smear of grease at each open end and don't have any issues.
Of course it could be something else entirely.
to CC anyhoo 
The inner cable seizes in the outer if not maintained.
FYI - I put a smear of grease at each open end and don't have any issues.
Of course it could be something else entirely.
to CC anyhoo 
mrandmrspoves
Middle aged bald git.
- Location
- Narfuk
Probably easy to fix.....depends on what the actual problem is and what gear levers you have. First things first, give the rear derailleur a good clean and lubrication. Disconnect the gear cable ( noting exactly how it is clamped to the derailleur first) see if the derailleur travels the full range of gears. If you lift the rear wheel and pedal the derailleur should move to the smallest gear sprocket. Assuming it does this, next pull the chain clear of the gear sprockets and see if the derailleur will move inwards as far as 1st gear. If the derailleur does not move inwards or outwards enough, unscrew the correct stop screw bit by bit until the derailleur moves to the correct position. The stop screws are often helpfully marked with H for High Gear and L for low - but if not you can usually see which screw is which if you look to see which screw is stopping the inward or outward movement. Now you have the derailleur working correctly it is time to check the cable (which is probably where the fault is!) With the cable still disconnected from the derailleur, gently pull on the end of the cable while moving the gear lever towards highest gear. The cable should loosen in sequence with the gear changes. Now while still tugging gently on the cable, move your gear lever towards lowest gear (1) the cable should tighten in sequence. If the cable resists - particularly when you are slackening it, it suggests the cable has been damaged or got so dirty that it is sticking. The main area of concern is usually the small piece of outer nearest to the derailleur - so detach it from the cycle and try sliding it up and down the cable. If it sticks or doesn't slide easily, make sure the inner wire is thoroughly cleaned where it runs in the outer and then lubricate the inner with light grease or oil. If the cable now slides easily put the gear lever into highest gear, make sure the chain is on the smallest gear sprocket and then reconnect the cable so that the cable is taut with no slack - but not pulling the derailleur inwards towards 2nd gear. Now fine tune the gears as shown in numerous youtube videos. If the gear cable did not tighten and loosen correctly when the gear lever was operated and you have checked that the gear cable is moving freely within the outer, the fault will be in the gear lever mechanism. It may be worth spraying the internal workings of the lever with some spray lubricant ....but if this doesn't help you may need to strip,clean and lubricate the lever. If you have combined brake/gear levers, you may be looking at buying a replacement lever as they are often very difficult to service.
