How To Set Up Rear Derailleur Shimano?

How to Set Up a Rear Derailleur Shimano

Your rear derailleur is one of the most important parts of your bike. It’s responsible for shifting gears, which allows you to maintain a consistent pedaling cadence regardless of the terrain you’re riding on. If your rear derailleur isn’t properly adjusted, it can make shifting gears difficult and even damage your bike.

In this article, we’ll show you how to set up a rear derailleur Shimano in just a few simple steps. We’ll cover everything you need to know, from removing the old derailleur to installing and adjusting the new one. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to shift gears like a pro!

What You’ll Need

• A new Shimano rear derailleur
• A set of hex wrenches
• A chain whip
• A spoke wrench
• A torque wrench
• A bike stand (optional)

Step 1: Remove the Old Derailleur

1. Put your bike in a bike stand or upside down on a workbench.
2. Shift the bike into the smallest cog on the cassette.
3. Use a hex wrench to loosen the bolt that secures the derailleur to the frame.
4. Use a chain whip to hold the cassette still, and then use a spoke wrench to loosen the lockring on the cassette.
5. Remove the cassette.
6. Use a hex wrench to loosen the bolts that secure the derailleur hanger to the frame.
7. Remove the derailleur hanger.
8. Remove the old derailleur.

Step 2: Install the New Derailleur

1. Install the new derailleur hanger to the frame.
2. Install the new derailleur.
3. Align the derailleur with the cassette.
4. Tighten the bolts that secure the derailleur to the frame.
5. Tighten the lockring on the cassette.
6. Reinstall the chain.
7. Shift the bike through the gears to make sure that the derailleur is working properly.

Step 3: Adjust the Derailleur

1. Shift the bike into the smallest cog on the cassette.
2. Use a hex wrench to adjust the low limit screw until the derailleur just touches the smallest cog.
3. Shift the bike into the largest cog on the cassette.
4. Use a hex wrench to adjust the high limit screw until the derailleur just clears the largest cog.
5. Shift the bike through the gears to make sure that the derailleur is shifting smoothly.

Step 4: Test the Derailleur

1. Take your bike for a ride and test the derailleur.
2. Make sure that the derailleur is shifting smoothly and that it’s not rubbing against the frame or the chain.
3. If the derailleur is not shifting smoothly, or if it’s rubbing against the frame or the chain, adjust it accordingly.

Setting up a rear derailleur Shimano is a relatively simple task, but it’s important to do it correctly in order to ensure that your bike shifts gears smoothly. By following the steps in this guide, you’ll be able to set up your rear derailleur like a pro in no time!

Step	Instructions	Image
1	Shift the rear derailleur to the smallest cog.
2	Loosen the cable tension by turning the barrel adjuster counterclockwise.
3	Shift the rear derailleur to the largest cog.
4	Tighten the cable tension by turning the barrel adjuster clockwise until the derailleur is just touching the largest cog.
5	Shift the rear derailleur through all of the gears and make sure that it shifts smoothly and without any skipping.

A rear derailleur is a mechanism that changes the gear ratio on a bicycle by moving the chain from one cog on the cassette to another. It is an essential part of any bicycle, and it is important to know how to set it up properly in order to get the best performance out of your bike.

This guide will show you how to set up a Shimano rear derailleur. It is important to note that this guide is for Shimano derailleurs only. If you have a derailleur from another brand, the instructions may be different.

Tools and Materials

The following tools and materials are required to set up a Shimano rear derailleur:

• Chain-whip
• Allen wrenches (5mm, 6mm, and 8mm)
• Screwdriver (Phillips head)
• Derailleur hanger alignment tool
• Cable cutter
• Cable housing
• Cable ends
• Grease

Steps

1. Remove the old cable and housing.

To remove the old cable and housing, you will need to first remove the rear wheel. Once the wheel is removed, you can access the cable housing and cable. Use the cable cutter to cut the cable housing as close to the derailleur as possible. Then, use the Allen wrench to loosen the cable clamp bolt and remove the cable from the derailleur.

2. Install the new cable and housing.

To install the new cable and housing, you will need to first route the cable through the derailleur and the frame. Once the cable is routed, you can attach the cable ends to the derailleur and tighten the cable clamp bolt. Then, you can install the rear wheel.

3. Adjust the cable tension.

The cable tension is important for proper shifting. To adjust the cable tension, you will need to use the barrel adjuster on the derailleur. Turn the barrel adjuster clockwise to increase the cable tension and counterclockwise to decrease the cable tension.

4. Align the derailleur hanger.

The derailleur hanger is a metal bracket that connects the derailleur to the frame. If the derailleur hanger is not aligned properly, the derailleur will not shift correctly. To align the derailleur hanger, you will need to use a derailleur hanger alignment tool.

5. Adjust the limit screws.

The limit screws are used to prevent the derailleur from shifting too far. There are two limit screws, one for the high gear and one for the low gear. To adjust the limit screws, you will need to use the Allen wrenches.

6. Test the shifting.

Once you have adjusted the cable tension, aligned the derailleur hanger, and adjusted the limit screws, you should test the shifting. Shift through the gears and make sure that the derailleur shifts smoothly and accurately.

Setting up a rear derailleur Shimano can be a daunting task, but it is important to do it correctly in order to get the best performance out of your bike. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily set up your rear derailleur Shimano and enjoy smooth, accurate shifting.

How To Set Up Rear Derailleur Shimano?

Shimano rear derailleurs are some of the most popular and reliable on the market, but they can be tricky to set up properly. If your rear derailleur is not shifting smoothly, there are a few things you can check to troubleshoot the problem.

1. Check the cable tension

The first thing you should check is the cable tension. If the cable is too tight, it will cause the derailleur to bind up and not shift smoothly. If the cable is too loose, it will cause the derailleur to shift erratically.

To check the cable tension, you will need to use a cable tension gauge. Most cable tension gauges have a scale that goes from 0 to 10. The ideal cable tension for a Shimano rear derailleur is between 5 and 6.

To adjust the cable tension, you will need to loosen the cable clamp bolt on the derailleur. Then, use the barrel adjuster on the shifter to increase or decrease the cable tension. Once you have adjusted the cable tension to the correct setting, tighten the cable clamp bolt.

2. Check the derailleur alignment

The next thing you should check is the derailleur alignment. If the derailleur is not aligned properly, it will not be able to shift smoothly.

To check the derailleur alignment, you will need to look at the derailleur from the side. The derailleur should be parallel to the cassette. If the derailleur is not parallel, you will need to adjust the derailleur hanger.

To adjust the derailleur hanger, you will need to loosen the bolts that hold the derailleur hanger in place. Then, use a derailleur alignment tool to align the derailleur hanger. Once the derailleur hanger is aligned, tighten the bolts.

3. Remove the rear wheel

Before you can adjust the B-tension screw, you will need to remove the rear wheel. To remove the rear wheel, you will need to loosen the axle nuts on either side of the hub. Then, pull the wheel straight out of the frame.

4. Shift the derailleur to the smallest cog on the cassette

Once you have removed the rear wheel, you will need to shift the derailleur to the smallest cog on the cassette. To do this, you will need to use the shifter.

5. Adjust the B-tension screw

The B-tension screw is located on the derailleur body. It is a small screw with a Phillips head.

To adjust the B-tension screw, you will need to turn it clockwise to increase the B-tension or counterclockwise to decrease the B-tension.

The B-tension screw should be adjusted so that the derailleur cage is just clear of the largest cog on the cassette.

6. Reinstall the rear wheel

Once you have adjusted the B-tension screw, you can reinstall the rear wheel. To do this, you will need to line up the axle with the dropouts and push the wheel into place. Then, tighten the axle nuts.

7. Test the derailleur

Once you have reinstalled the rear wheel, you should test the derailleur to make sure it is shifting smoothly. To do this, you will need to shift through the gears.

If the derailleur is shifting smoothly, you are done. If the derailleur is still not shifting smoothly, you may need to repeat the steps above.

Setting up a Shimano rear derailleur can be a bit tricky, but it is not impossible. By following the steps in this guide, you should be able to get your derailleur shifting smoothly in no time.

Here are some additional tips for setting up a Shimano rear derailleur:

• Use a quality cable housing. A good cable housing will help to ensure that the cable moves smoothly through the housing.
• Make sure the cable is routed correctly. The cable should be routed through the derailleur body and the cable guide on the frame.
• Lubricate the cable and derailleur. Lubrication will help to reduce friction and keep the derailleur shifting smoothly.

If you are having trouble setting up your Shimano rear derailleur, you can always take your bike to a bike shop. A qualified bike mechanic will be able to help you get your derailleur shifting smoothly.

How do I adjust the limit screws on my Shimano rear derailleur?

The limit screws on your Shimano rear derailleur are used to prevent the derailleur from over-shifting. The high limit screw prevents the derailleur from shifting past the largest cog on your cassette, and the low limit screw prevents the derailleur from shifting past the smallest cog. To adjust the limit screws, follow these steps:

1. Shift the derailleur to the largest cog on your cassette.
2. Use a small hex wrench to turn the high limit screw clockwise until the derailleur just touches the cog.
3. Shift the derailleur to the smallest cog on your cassette.
4. Use a small hex wrench to turn the low limit screw counterclockwise until the derailleur just touches the cog.
5. Test the derailleur by shifting through the gears. The derailleur should not over-shift in either direction.

How do I adjust the cable tension on my Shimano rear derailleur?

The cable tension on your Shimano rear derailleur is used to control the shifting performance. If the cable tension is too loose, the derailleur will not shift smoothly. If the cable tension is too tight, the derailleur will be difficult to shift. To adjust the cable tension, follow these steps:

1. Shift the derailleur to the middle gear on your cassette.
2. Use a small hex wrench to loosen the cable tension adjusting barrel.
3. Pull the cable housing until the derailleur just touches the next larger cog on your cassette.
4. Tighten the cable tension adjusting barrel until the derailleur shifts smoothly.
5. Test the derailleur by shifting through the gears. The derailleur should shift smoothly in both directions.

How do I index my Shimano rear derailleur?

Indexing your Shimano rear derailleur is the process of ensuring that the derailleur shifts smoothly from one gear to the next. To index your derailleur, follow these steps:

1. Shift the derailleur to the smallest cog on your cassette.
2. Use a small hex wrench to turn the barrel adjuster clockwise until the derailleur just touches the cog.
3. Shift the derailleur to the largest cog on your cassette.
4. Use a small hex wrench to turn the barrel adjuster counterclockwise until the derailleur just touches the cog.
5. Test the derailleur by shifting through the gears. The derailleur should shift smoothly in both directions.

What are the common problems with Shimano rear derailleurs?

The most common problems with Shimano rear derailleurs include:

• Over-shifting: This occurs when the derailleur shifts past the desired gear. It can be caused by a loose limit screw or too much cable tension.
• Under-shifting: This occurs when the derailleur does not shift into the desired gear. It can be caused by a tight limit screw or too little cable tension.
• Chain skipping: This occurs when the chain jumps off the cogs. It can be caused by a bent derailleur hanger, worn out chain, or incorrect cable tension.

How can I troubleshoot problems with my Shimano rear derailleur?

If you are having problems with your Shimano rear derailleur, here are a few things you can check:

• Check the limit screws to make sure they are properly adjusted.
• Check the cable tension to make sure it is not too loose or too tight.
• Check the chain for wear and tear.
• Check the derailleur hanger for damage.

If you are still having problems, you may need to take your bike to a qualified bike mechanic for further assistance.

In this guide, we have discussed how to set up a Shimano rear derailleur. We covered the basics of derailleur adjustment, as well as the specific steps involved in setting up a Shimano derailleur. We hope that this guide has been helpful, and that you are now able to properly set up your own Shimano rear derailleur.

Here are the key takeaways from this guide:

• The derailleur hanger is the most important part of the rear derailleur adjustment. Make sure it is installed correctly and is not bent.
• The B-tension screw adjusts the distance between the derailleur and the cassette. This distance should be set so that the derailleur cage is parallel to the cassette.
• The H-limit screw adjusts the high gear limit. This screw should be set so that the derailleur does not rub against the spokes when in the highest gear.
• The L-limit screw adjusts the low gear limit. This screw should be set so that the derailleur does not rub against the spokes when in the lowest gear.

By following these steps, you can properly set up your Shimano rear derailleur and ensure smooth, trouble-free shifting.