Is it normal for a Derailleur pulley to “wobble” a little bit? Or does that mean it’s time to replace

Asked by: Faith Miles

How often do derailleurs need to be replaced?

Derailleurs will last almost indefinitely. The jockey wheels will wear out in time (tens of thousands of km) but the rest of the mechanism shouldn’t see significant wear. It could be that the spring will break at some point due to material fatigue, but that is also a relatively easy to replace part on most derailleurs.

Should derailleur pulleys spin freely?

They should be clean and spin freely–if they don’t, they’ll need to be overhauled or replaced or you risk breaking your derailleur off the next time it gets caked with mud.”

How do I know if my rear derailleur is worn out?

All derailleurs wear out at some point. Check for wear by pulling laterally on the lower cage. Compare this movement in the linkage of a new derailleur. Sloppy pivot and linkages will produce inconsistent shifting, and the only solution is a new derailleur.

How do you fix a derailleur pulley?

Quote from video: Make sure you're fitting in the correct direction in most cases the writing will be facing outwards. And some cases even a little directional arrow. So pay attention to that too because.

How long should a derailleur last?

Good quality rear derailleur can last between 3 to 5 years, when unbranded or low-quality ones can last for 2 years, no matter what the durability of the rear derailleur the jockey wheel will wear after time and it can be replaced very cheaply with new ones, on the other hand, front derailleur can last almost

How do you know when you need a new derailleur?

If it’s really dirty and sticky, it’ll have a harder time with the shift you describe. If with clean, lubricated pivots the derailleur still won’t move well, you probably need a new one. Front derailleur sounds like it could be a limit screw problem.

How long do jockey wheels last?

Unless you’re riding in sand or other ultra-harsh conditions, almost forever. They carry virtually no load and transmit zero torque, so tooth wear is minimal; the upper jockey wheel may be worth inspecting and replacing once in a while for the reasons u/jermleeds goes into.

Which is the tension pulley derailleur?

Rear derailleurs use a cage fitted with two pulleys. The lower pulley pulls backwards to give tension to the lower section of chain. It is called the tension pulley, or ‘T’ pulley for short. The upper pulley guides the chain to the sprockets.

Do you need to grease jockey wheels?

Registered. The jockey wheels aren’t designed to be lubbed. If you put much in the way of oil in there it will just attract dirt.

How much does it cost to replace a rear derailleur?

If you take your MTB into a local bike shop the average price to replace a rear derailleur is going to be $110. If you DIY replacing a derailleur will cost about $50 (plus your time) This price will depend a lot on the actual derailleur needed. Usually a bike shop will also take care of other problems.

How many miles should a cassette last?

Very Roughly: bike cassette can last between 4000 to 6000 miles, and some can last up to 10,000 miles, an equivalent of 3 to 4 chains, it depends on the quality of the cassette itself, maintenance, and riding conditions.

Why is my rear 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.

Why does my chain slip when I pedal hard?

These include worn out or misaligned derailleur pulleys, old or malfunctioning shifters throwing off the indexing in some gears, or broken/bent teeth on one or more cassette cogs. Build up of dirt and grime on drivetrain components will also cause shifting issues, including skipping chains.

Do derailleur springs wear out?

That said, derailleur springs will lose tension overtime, and pivots will get sloppier. Shifters can wear out too (if you ride enough), and most cannot be serviced back to health. But before you go sinking money into these more expensive components, best try a new cable/housing or get a second opinion.

Can you convert a 7 speed bike to 21 speed?

You’ll need a front shifter, front clamp-on derailleur, triple crank set, and a new chain, and knowledge of how to install and set things up. Given current availability and knowledge, you may be better off securing another bike with more gears. And probably another bottom bracket with a longer spindle.

How much do derailleurs cost?

There can be a range of prices for replacement derailleurs, starting around $20 and going all the way up to $700. What is this? Read learn more about how mountain bike derailleurs work.

Do derailleur springs wear out?

That said, derailleur springs will lose tension overtime, and pivots will get sloppier. Shifters can wear out too (if you ride enough), and most cannot be serviced back to health. But before you go sinking money into these more expensive components, best try a new cable/housing or get a second opinion.

Are all derailleurs the same?

No, bike derailleurs are not universal. A derailleur that works with one bike may not work with another bike based on factors such as the cage length. Check the difference between the smallest and largest cogs and also the chainring size to determine the derailleur compatibility.

How often should you replace jockey wheels?

Unless you’re riding in sand or other ultra-harsh conditions, almost forever. They carry virtually no load and transmit zero torque, so tooth wear is minimal; the upper jockey wheel may be worth inspecting and replacing once in a while for the reasons u/jermleeds goes into.

Do ceramic jockey wheels make a difference?

Faster, lighter, and more durable? According to research, a well-made ceramic bearing will roll faster, saving you energy and allowing faster cruising speeds compared to an equivalent steel bearing. This is because the properties of ceramic allow the creation of rounder, smoother bearings.

Do you grease jockey wheels?

Registered. The jockey wheels aren’t designed to be lubbed. If you put much in the way of oil in there it will just attract dirt.