Sticky shifters

[Biker Joe]

The Shimano 105 brake shifters on my road bike are not working too well. The bike was manufactured in 1997 so the shifters are now 16 yrs old.
When you operate them the shifters feel as though they are filled with treacle and are slow to respond.
I have cleaned and lubricated the cables and front and rear mechs. The shifters are still not operating smoothly and freely..
Now I've read on the internet that you can spray something like WD40 into them to clean them out and then re - lubricate.
Before I attempt this. Is WD40 the best way of cleaning the shifters out or is there a better product to do the job?
Your advice would be appreciated.

 

[HovR]

I've sorted a pair of Deore shifters (which had the same issues) using a similar method, except I used GT85 instead of WD40. It has slightly superior lubrication properties in my opinion.

This tends to happen as after a while the factory grease dries out and gums up the shifter, so it needs washing out. If you haven't replaced the cables (both inner and outers) in a while that should also help.

 

[Biker Joe]

I've sorted a pair of Deore shifters (which had the same issues) using a similar method, except I used GT85 instead of WD40. It has slightly superior lubrication properties in my opinion.

This tends to happen as after a while the factory grease dries out and gums up the shifter, so it needs washing out. If you haven't replaced the cables (both inner and outers) in a while that should also help.

Yours was the only reply I got so I took your advice and gave my shifters a good soaking with GT85. followed by a light lube.
The results were amazing.
I hadn't realized how stiff the shifters had become as the process was so gradual over the years.
They now operate so smoothly and need only a light touch to operate them.
Thank you very much for responding. You're a STAR.
I pat you on the back!

 

[MattHB]

You get all sorts of dusty rubbish in the shifter mechanisms, I try to blast mine out regularly just like you did