[ironbike1]

I recently purchased a Shimano XT R/D & was wondering how hard it is to install your self. My local LBS wants $10 to install it or I was thinking I could save the $10 & try it my self. What will I need to do this, any special tools? A new master chain link? or should I just pay the $10?

 

[Speedub.Nate]

It's relatively easy, and if you haven't done it before, you'll learn the procedure of tuning a rear derailleur from scratch, which can be invaluable out on the trail.

Are you planning on installing a new cable? It's not required, but this would be the time to do it. If so, you'll need cable cutters.

Are you running a Shimano chain? If so, I'd suggest you add a SRAM Power-link or a Wipperman Connex, for easy chain disconnects in the future.

Buy a man a fish vs. teach a man to fish... that should be the basis of your decision, no the dollar cost.

 

[ironbike1]

the main thing I am worried about is the tuning of the derailleur it's self, I have run into this before & I had the derailleur so out of tune it was just a big mess. The cables are new on the bike as I had them replaced a couple weeks ago. Where can I find this quick disconnect chain you are talking about?

 

[newhollowpointer]

I just did this an hour ago...

It took me about 25-30mins but most of that time was spent cleaning my chain while it was off. You might see my post from a couple hours ago regarding XT-XTR issues.

Course now I have a completely seperate issue which I fear is major.

Thus my upcoming thread.

 

[steviep]

the main thing I am worried about is the tuning of the derailleur it's self, I have run into this before & I had the derailleur so out of tune it was just a big mess. The cables are new on the bike as I had them replaced a couple weeks ago. Where can I find this quick disconnect chain you are talking about?

Tuning's dead easy. Just set the LOW screw so that it doesn't fall off into the spokes, set the HIGH screw so that it doesn't fall off at the other end. Fo indexing, fit the cable, then shift into 8th (on a 9 speed), turn the mech cable adjuster until it rubs on the 7th cog then adjust back a quarter turn or so.

 

[ironbike1]

I will be running an XT on my 8spd, will that same method work?
I plan on changing my chain aswell I am sure I must need a special tool to remove the chain properly, unless I can use something I may allready have?
Also how is attaching the cable to the derailleur, is it a simple attachment?

 

[steviep]

I'm running an XT750 9 speed mech with XT 8 speed shifters and cassette and have no problems at all. Neither do I have problems with the XT760 front mech (and I find them a sod to fettle usually).

 

[bpotsy]

http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=64

heres a good write-up on rear der adjustment

 

[glenk]

You should absolutely try it yourself. Read the adjustment procedures and give it a try. Worse case, you take it to the shop if it doesn't work out.

I find it easier to align the lower and upper stops with chain removed and shift cable not connected. You simply visually align the upper jockey pulley with the smallest and largest cogs as you move the RD by hand from stop to stop.

 

[ironbike1]

well I installed the derailleur today, I got everything together correctly. I couldn't get the shain back together so I went out & bought an SRAM pc48 power link chain & put that one. Went out for a test run & I had no gears??? I couldn't shift at all. So I messed around with some things for about 2 hours & still nothing:madman: I tried some more things someone suggested to me & still nothing so finally after about 3hours I gave in & brought it to the LBS. They will have it back to me on Monday & it will not cost me more then $20 since I have everything installed allready.:madman:
I normally would try to fix things on my own but I was getting frustrated & rather then breaking something because it was installed wrong I figured I would let someone who knows what they are doing fix it.

 

[mappable]

I feel your pain. i did the same thing yesterday.

it started with replacing my derrailleur hanger, and then i thought i'd do some minor adjustments with the Zen Maintenance Book nearby.

2 hours later, i finally found a happy place. i just hope it works when i finally get to hit the trail.

well I installed the derailleur today, I got everything together correctly. I couldn't get the shain back together so I went out & bought an SRAM pc48 power link chain & put that one. Went out for a test run & I had no gears??? I couldn't shift at all. So I messed around with some things for about 2 hours & still nothing:madman: I tried some more things someone suggested to me & still nothing so finally after about 3hours I gave in & brought it to the LBS. They will have it back to me on Monday & it will not cost me more then $20 since I have everything installed allready.:madman:
I normally would try to fix things on my own but I was getting frustrated & rather then breaking something because it was installed wrong I figured I would let someone who knows what they are doing fix it.