Cable rubs on mountain bike derailleur

Asked by: Brady Verley

Why is my chain rubbing on my derailleur?

The reason the chain rubs is because the cable is too loose. And when it’s too loose, shifting onto the large chainring results in only a partial shift. With sufficient tension on the derailleur cable, the derailleur cage will move to its full outside limit and there will be clearance for the chain – and no rubbing.

How do I stop my derailleur from rubbing?

If the chain is rubbing the outer edge of the derailleur cage, try increasing the cable tension using the barrel adjuster by turning it counterclockwise one quarter to one half turn at a time—increasing the tension will pull the cage out and farther away from the bike.

Is it normal for chain to rub on front derailleur?

It is possible that the front derailleur will rub the chain slightly even on properly adjusted bikes. This is likely on some bikes when riding in the largest sprocket in front and the smallest cog in back.

How tight should derailleur cable?

Quote from video: The bolt that crimps your cable tight and pull that slack tight with your hand or with a pair of pliers not too tight you don't really need to wrench.

How do you tighten a chain ring?

Quote from video: Use a hex wrench as a gauge when the cage is set to high you risk the chance of the chain falling off the largest ring when you shift.

What is the cage on a derailleur?

The derailleur cage is a swinging link, with two pulleys. As the chain moves between different size sprockets (front and rear), the amount of chain required changes. The derailleur cage picks up this slack.

What is cross chaining?

Cross-chaining is when you’re in your big chainring and the biggest cog on your back cassette, or on your small chainring and your smallest cog. The problem is that this stretches your chain diagonally to its limits, and needlessly so, since you could just shift to your other chainring and find a similar gear ratio.

How do you adjust a derailleur limit screw?

If the limit is set too far towards the spokes, turn the L-Screw clockwise and the derailleur moves to the right. Should the limit be set too tight and the chain cannot climb to the largest sprocket, turn the L-Screw counter clockwise until the sprocket and pulley are aligned perfectly.

How do you use a Shimano barrel adjuster?

Quote from video: Just tighten the barrel back in fully. And then out one or two. Turn. Make sure you're on the furthest outward shift position and the smallest cogs then remove the slack from the cable at the pinch.

How much does it cost to adjust a derailleur?

Derailleurs – (per derailleur) $25 labor for derailleur adjustment and lubrication. If cable and housing needs to be replaced, labor is $25 plus the cost of the cable and housing. If a bent derailleur needs to be aligned, there is an additional $15-20 labor cost.

Should you adjust the front or rear derailleur first?

In a nutshell, adjust the front derailleur first, then the rear. Show activity on this post. If the derailers just need minor tweaking (they are basically in adjustment but are “not quite right”) then you adjust the one that is obviously wrong, check the overall adjustment again, then again adjust what needs adjusting.

What happens if front derailleur is too high?

Most front derailleurs can be adjusted for height and rotation. If the cage is set too high over the largest ring, it may not perform well. Too high a cage can cause a slow shift, and can allow the chain to shift over the largest ring. Too low jams the chain into the ring during the shift.

How do you fix a chain rub?

Quote from video: First shift to the small cog. Turn the outer limiting screw counterclockwise. That is outward pull about 1/4 of a turn. And try shifting again that is taking care of the.

Why do mountain bikes have no front derailleur?

Mountain bikes no longer have a front derailleur because of the invention of the wide range rear cassette, meaning you can have the same range of gears with fewer parts, which saves weight, and keeps things simpler. Also making the bike build look cleaner.

How do you adjust a Shimano rear derailleur?

Quote from video: The derailleur down into the small cog. Once we do that we're going to turn the barrel adjuster all the way in so that we have room to adjust it. After adjusting the cable position at the anchor.

How do you adjust a chain guide?

Quote from video: You want to adjust both bolts evenly so that way the rear wheel stays aligned. Here thread your adjuster bolts in or out until you have about three fingers worth the tension here at the chain slider.

What is cross chaining?

Cross-chaining is when you’re in your big chainring and the biggest cog on your back cassette, or on your small chainring and your smallest cog. The problem is that this stretches your chain diagonally to its limits, and needlessly so, since you could just shift to your other chainring and find a similar gear ratio.

How does a chain catcher work?

Quote from video: And it's just basically a little gizmo that stops you from dropping your chain off of your little ring. When you shift from big ring down the little.

How do you tighten a chain on a bike?

Quote from video: Pull back on the wheel with any one of your hands out you feel comfortable. With make sure the tire is not rubbing against the cream. And begin to tighten one. Side.

How tight should a MTB chain be?

It should be tight enough that it only allows you to move it up and down about one inch. If it is sagging or much looser than that, you need to tighten that chain up.

Why is my derailleur loose?

Likely the issue is either a bent derailleur hanger or the low limit screw needs to be adjusted. First, try to wiggle the cassette, then the derailleur and hanger to make sure everything is tight.