Bicycle Mechanics - Shimano 105 front derailleur, cable

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Tree Trunk
07-02-02, 10:29 AM
I am replacing shifter cables for a friend of mine. The cable retainer screw is allen head and faces the derailleur plate. I can't get a key in to loosen or tighten the screw. Is there a trick I don't know about?

WorldIRC
07-02-02, 10:54 AM
if you mean you cant turn the bolt, then either urr using the wrong size allen key, or the bolt is stripped
Tree Trunk
07-02-02, 12:25 PM
Nope, what I mean is that the bolt head faces the inner plate of the derailleur. It is so close that an allen key can not fit in between the bolt head and the plate.

WorldIRC
07-02-02, 12:35 PM
are you using an allan key thats on a mini tool. if you are then dont. get a standalone allan key that has the little curve in it and then you should beable to fit it. if not, go to you LBS and see what little toy they have for you. umm any other ppl care to throw in a suggestion
Tree Trunk
07-02-02, 01:20 PM
No, it's not on a mini tool. But your suggestion is what I am already considering -- buy a allen key with a "mini" bend or just hack off a section of an old 5 mm key to make it fit.
WorldIRC
07-02-02, 01:26 PM
up to you lol.. its urr allen key.. altho. if hacked incorrectly ull just ruin it..
Tree Trunk
07-02-02, 03:23 PM
LOL. True. But at least allen keys are cheap. I was hoping there was some trick I didn't see.
WorldIRC
07-02-02, 05:59 PM
nope theres no magical release or magic wand trick just get a short allen key.

good luck
urban_assault
07-02-02, 07:58 PM
I just checked out my 105 front der and the cable retention bolt is not hard to get to in any way. What year is it?

I had an old RSX front der that was difficult but still you could get to it.

Just wondering.:)
Tree Trunk
07-03-02, 07:29 AM
I am not sure what year the derailleur is. It probably is 4-5 years old. Unfortunately, it's not my bike. I am replacing cables and doing a general tune up for a friend.

I managed to replace the cable last night but it's still difficult to get to the retention bolt because it is so close to the plate. I managed to get an allen key in just enough to loosen the bolt. Now the challenge is to get it tight and in the right position again!
Tree Trunk
07-05-02, 11:33 AM
I found the solution without cutting a key. I managed to get the cable free, then readjusted the derailleur. After replacing the cable, the derailleur worked much better..and I could get to the cable bolt to make more adjustments. Whoever had set the derailleur previously had done a bad job!

Thanks for the input, all.