REVIEWS DEALS BIKESHOPS TRAILS

Could this be a derailleur hanger issue?

1054 Views 9 Replies 5 Participants Last post by FredCoMTB, Oct 25, 2021

FredCoMTB

Discussion Starter · Oct 24, 2021

I pulled cranks today to install a bash guard. Had to do a minor reroute to the shift cable to accommodate... just flipping the cable holder. I had some tape on the cable to avoid cable rub (temporary fix since I didn't know it might be an issue). I dropped the pressure out of the shock to check for cable rub through travel. I want thinking apparently... the tape kept the cable from sliding freely through the cable holder (internal routing).

The end result is that motion caused the plastic cap at the derailleur end of the shifter to split. Not a big deal... have several laying around and just replaced it. Now the chain skips and is noisy. B screw is right H/L screws are right and cable tension/indexing are all set.

It's not a stuck link, it seems to happen about once every pulley rotation.

Could this level of force have bent the derailleur hanger?

I don't have a derailleur hanger alignment tool (on the wish list) but I do have a spare hanger. I ran out of daylight so figured I'd bounce the question here since I won't stop thinking about it. I know the new hanger may not be exactly perfect but if it improves I guess it indicates that might be the issue?

Appreciate it.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

Save

1 - 10 of 10 Posts

11053

· #2 · Oct 24, 2021

Could be cable tension.
Could be bent derailleur hanger.
Often times when everything is set according to spec but shifting is still funky, it will end up being the derailleur hanger.
Some more detail as to the drivetrain/components etc could be helpful.
Also, "correct" B tension/hi and low/cable tension is open to interpretation even though most component manufacturers will spell things out.
Sometimes chain length will come in to play depending on the components/travel.
Only way to know for sure if things are correct is to start from scratch with a properly aligned derailleur hanger. properly functioning derailleur and then reset everything.

Save

FredCoMTB

Discussion Starter · #3 · Oct 24, 2021

11053 said:
Could be cable tension.
Could be bent derailleur hanger.
Often times when everything is set according to spec but shifting is still funky, it will end up being the derailleur hanger.
Some more detail as to the drivetrain/components etc could be helpful.
Also, "correct" B tension/hi and low/cable tension is open to interpretation even though most component manufacturers will spell things out.
Sometimes chain length will come in to play depending on the components/travel.
Only way to know for sure if things are correct is to start from scratch with a properly aligned derailleur hanger. properly functioning derailleur and then reset everything.

My bad it's a Shimano SLX 12 speed derailleur/cassette/chain and compatible narrow wide chain ring. Chain length seems good, and had no problems before I did this.

I'll try tinkering with cable tension a little more too. That's what I was about finished up when I had to put everything down. It's funny you say that about b tension... this is a fairly recent bike for me and my first 1x drivetrain. Every other bike was really forgiving on B tension but I understand these are more finicky about it.

I'll throw the new hanger on tomorrow just as a test. Thanks for your input

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

Save

Cleared2land

· #4 · Oct 24, 2021

Don't go down the rabbit hole.

Save

mrpizza

· #5 · Oct 24, 2021

A derailleur alignment gauge is nice to have. I've done my bike (it was off causing issues) and three others in the last two weeks and fixed everyone's issues. Most were 1/4" off or more

Save

FredCoMTB

Discussion Starter · #6 · Oct 24, 2021

Cleared2land said:
Don't go down the rabbit hole.

I cannot figure out which rabbit hole you mean lol. If it's the tool rabbit hole or the bike rabbit hole it's way too late.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

Save

FredCoMTB

Discussion Starter · #7 · Oct 24, 2021

Milesvdustin said:
A derailleur alignment gauge is nice to have. I've done my bike (it was off causing issues) and three others in the last two weeks and fixed everyone's issues. Most were 1/4" off or more

Yeah this is probably where I'll get one. Almost (and should have) ordered one when I ordered the bike.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

Save

Reactions: 1

p0is0n0ak

· #8 · Oct 24, 2021

I don't really see your described scenario as bending a hanger (not impossible, just unlikely, IMHO), but I would be suspicious of a housing kink. Disconnect the cable from the derailleur and actuate the shifter while keeping some tension on the cable with your fingers. It should be butter smooth. If not replace both the cable and the housing.

Save

FredCoMTB

Discussion Starter · #9 · Oct 25, 2021

Got it torn down this morning. Removed the derailleur and hanger. Made sure everything was greased and torqued properly, put the new hanger on, then set the derailleur up from scratch (B tension, h/l, cable tension). Whatever was wrong that fixed it. Started shifting perfectly and made it through a ride with plenty of shifting fine. Appreciate it.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

Save

FredCoMTB

Discussion Starter · #10 · Oct 25, 2021

p0is0n0ak said:
I don't really see your described scenario as bending a hanger (not impossible, just unlikely, IMHO), but I would be suspicious of a housing kink. Disconnect the cable from the derailleur and actuate the shifter while keeping some tension on the cable with your fingers. It should be butter smooth. If not replace both the cable and the housing.

Didn't even think of that. Didn't check that, but it does seem like it's dying ok now. Thanks

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

Save

Reactions: 1

1 - 10 of 10 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month