Tiagra 4700 shifter

[NickTB]

I’ve bought a 2016 CAADX in absolutely mint condition apart from the left shifter isn’t shifting. Its just slack. The previous owner was upfront about it and couldn’t be bothered to sort it out. Before I contact my LBS, has anyone got any ideas on what it could be? The right shifter moved the chain up and down the rear cogs fine. I just can’t get it to move from the large cog to the smaller. I’ve searched the site and can see it may be a sticking issue, but the posts seem fairly old. Iwondered if anyone had experienced it recently and if there is anything I can do before the LBS get involved.
Thanks,
Nick

 

[Hugh Manatee]

Does it move properly if you undo the cable?

 

[NickTB]

Does it move properly if you undo the cable?

I’ve not touched anything yet. I only picked it up last night and tonight is the first time I’ve had a chance to look at it

 

[Drago]

Soak the internals in WD40 or similar. The standard grease hardens and glues the pawls in position. With luck 2 or 3 days of soaking and gentle wiggling will see it free.

 

[Hugh Manatee]

If it moves fine with the cable undone, the problem is in the front mech. If it doesn't move with the cable undone, it could be the shifter. Unless of course the cable has FUBARed itself up in the outer. If you hold on to the undone cable end, (look out for those evil frayed ends; those little sods hurt as much as standing on Lego!) and work the shifter, if it is free in the cable outer, you'll feel it pulling.

 

[Gunk]

The mech can seize and they’re almost impossible to free off, they’re not an expensive part, I chuck them and just fit a new one, you’re then guaranteed that it’ll work properly.