REVIEWS DEALS BIKESHOPS TRAILS

Won't shift to one gear

491 Views 7 Replies 4 Participants Last post by Lucky13, Apr 6, 2005

Lucky13

Discussion Starter · Apr 4, 2005

Help me out please. Adjusted rear der yesterday, but it won't shift to the lowest gear. Dunno what to do. The only thing I can assume is that rear de (XT) is 8 speed. How do I tell? Any other pointers? Shift like butter through all the gears, but not to the lowest.

Thanks!

Save

1 - 8 of 8 Posts

flipnidaho

· #2 · Apr 4, 2005

If...

it was shifting through all 9 gears before the adjustment then the rd is probably 9 spd compatible. Chances are, you probably adjusted too much slack into the rd (you can check this by seeing if there is an extra click even after you shift to the highest gear). Take up all the slack from the cable and try readjusting.
If this is a new rd, the stops maybe misadjusted. You can download the installation manual for XT from Shimano's sight. Relatively easy to follow.
Good luck.

Save

Lucky13

Discussion Starter · #3 · Apr 4, 2005

Dunno if it was shifting before because it was donated by my friend.

There is an extra click in the lowest gear, but it barely moves the der (thus not enough to go all the way down). Cable needs more tension?

Stops are adjusted.

Save

tlg

· #4 · Apr 4, 2005

Lucky13 said:
Help me out please. Adjusted rear der yesterday, but it won't shift to the lowest gear. Dunno what to do. The only thing I can assume is that rear de (XT) is 8 speed. How do I tell? Any other pointers? Shift like butter through all the gears, but not to the lowest.

Most likely not an 8sp rear derailleur. Even if it were, it'd probably still work. What were you adjusting?

Sounds like your limit screws are aren't set right. Read this. It'll tell you all you need to know.
http://www.parktool.com/repair_help/FAQrindx.shtml

Save

Lucky13

Discussion Starter · #5 · Apr 5, 2005

Followed them actually.

Save

lebikerboy

· #6 · Apr 5, 2005

Did you adjust the high/low adjustment screws? Count the number of rear sprockets and that will tell you how many speeds you've got. Messing with the H (high) screw could limit the derailleur from being able to move to the smallest rear cog, messing with the L (low) screw could limit the derailleur from being able to shift to the largest cog.

Lucky13 said:
Followed them actually.

Save

tlg

· #7 · Apr 5, 2005

Lucky13 said:
Followed them actually.

Disconnect the derailleur cable from the derailleur. Then completely back out the H limit screw. Then the chain should go into the smallest cog. (actually, it may go past the small cog so be carefull turning the peddals) If it does, start over with the derailleur adjustment.
If it doesn't, then your derailleur is probably damaged or bent. Or your derailleur hanger is bent. If you stand begind your bike and eye up the top derailleur pully and small cog, they should be lined up over/under each other like this:

See less See more

Save

Lucky13

Discussion Starter · #8 · Apr 6, 2005

It won't align. Der hangar looks ok, bad der? Limits are adjusted.

Save

1 - 8 of 8 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