Shimano Acera M330 Rear Derailleur replacement

[tadpole]

I've a ridgeback Velocity SE 2013
It's done 5500 miles since March 2013. I'm really pleased with it, but recently the Rear Derailleur seems a bit slow to change, and well I think it's time to change it. It's currently a Shimano Acera M330 8SGS. which I don't seem to be able to find for sale, Now my question is can I use a Shimano Acera M360 7-8 with Shimano EZFire shifters. I don't want to upgrade or spend massive amounts of money, just replace a worn part with something new that works the same way as I have at the moment.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Yes, it'll be fine.

 

[Brandane]

If it is slow to change to larger cogs, cable could be slack. Slow changing to smaller cogs, cable could be tight. Have you tried SMALL adjustments at the barrel adjuster where cable meets derailleur? Anti-clockwise to tighten cable, clockwise to loosen.
5500 miles doesn't seem much for a low wear part like the derailleur (apart from the pulley wheels which can be replaced separately). Is it gunged up? Easy enough to remove and soak in diesel or similar to clean it up.

 

[tadpole]

If it is slow to change to larger cogs, cable could be slack. Slow changing to smaller cogs, cable could be tight. Have you tried SMALL adjustments at the barrel adjuster where cable meets derailleur? Anti-clockwise to tighten cable, clockwise to loosen. 5500 miles doesn't seem much for a low wear part like the derailleur (apart from the pulley wheels which can be replaced seperately).

I've done all that and more, scrubbed the chain, re-lubed, (I mickle my chain almost weekly as I ride a cyclepath that is shared with horses as well a mud from field run off) lube and re-grease the rear derailleur almost as often. adjust and re adjust till I'm blue in the face, mostly it is still slow changing from Rear 6 (CS-HG70-I 8 cassette) both up and down, the rest seem to snap up (to a smaller gear) but 6 which is the gear I use the most.

 

[RebornBumbler]

If you do go for replacement, the M360 will be fine, as long as you get the SGS (super-long cage) version - but I'd replace the cable before doing anything else.

 

[raleighnut]

The cable would be my guess too, stainless ones are only a couple of quid and avoid the corrosion problems where the cable enters and leaves the outer. Also check the cable guide under the bottom bracket isn't all gunked up.

 

[Brandane]

The cable would be my guess too, stainless ones are only a couple of quid and avoid the corrosion problems where the cable enters and leaves the outer. Also check the cable guide under the bottom bracket isn't all gunked up.

Good point, forgot about that! Also, don't forget the cable outer. I once had similar problems and after replacing inner cable it persisted. Corrosion had spread to the outer cable too, causing stickiness and gears not changing properly. New cable outers and inner and it was sweet as a nut.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

If you do go for replacement, the M360 will be fine, as long as you get the SGS (super-long cage) version - but I'd replace the cable before doing anything else.

The M360 only comes as a long cage (SGS version) as far as I can tell.

 

[tadpole]

Changed the rear Derailleur to the Shimano Acera M360 8, everything is so much quieter than it was before, the gears snap in to place like a dream. All apart from 6 (the 14 tooth cog). cable was replaced only a month ago, the chain is slightly worn, not enough for the .75 mark on my park tool to actually pass through, but more than it was when the chain was new,I've decreased and re-lubed the chain, cleaned the front mech, cleaned and lightly greased the shimano EZfire shifter I'm guessing I need new outers
Not sure what else I can change.

 

[HovR]

Changed the rear Derailleur to the Shimano Acera M360 8, everything is so much quieter than it was before, the gears snap in to place like a dream. All apart from 6 (the 14 tooth cog).

I'm guessing gear 6 is your highest gear? If so, try unscrewing the high limit screw (should have a small "H" next to it) on your dérailleur a half turn at a time. If that doesn't fix it, new outers it is!

 

[tadpole]

I'm guessing gear 6 is your highest gear? If so, try unscrewing the high limit screw (should have a small "H" next to it) on your dérailleur a half turn at a time. If that doesn't fix it, new outers it is!

My Rear cassette is Shimano HG70-I 8-speed cassette 11 - 28T
8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21,24, 28
so it's kind of the middle'ish gear.
I might just replace outers and Inner cable at the same time. save the hassle of doing one and finding it wasn't that.

 

[HovR]

My Rear cassette is Shimano HG70-I 8-speed cassette 11 - 28T
8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21,24, 28
so it's kind of the middle'ish gear.
I might just replace outers and Inner cable at the same time. save the hassle of doing one and finding it wasn't that.

Ah, in that case the limit screws will have no effect. Changing your cables wouldn't hurt. I always change both my outer and inner at the same time, as if one is getting worn or crudded up, usually the other is too.

The indexing could be very slightly off, but if the other gears are dead on as you say they are, that shouldn't be the issue. I'd replace the cable and be done with it!

 

[Nigelnaturist]

I change cables maybe twice a year and always both, check you top jockey wheel is close but not touching the largest rear sprocket, as the furthur this is away the more movement there is on the chain and can sometimes lead to incorrect shifting, this is done by adjusting the b-post screw, though this is unlikely to effect as described,