Bicycle Mechanics - Brifter does not always engage, need help

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roccobike
04-30-06, 01:57 PM
I recently purchased a used Cannondale SR500 with Shimano RSX, 7X3 speed brifters. The right side (7-speed) just started missing shifts today. When I try to upshift, sometimes the lever does not engage, sometimes it does. Sometimes when I try to upshift the lever goes all the way to the left, then downshifts! The downshift lever also does not always engage and downshift and sometimes it does.
Is there anything I can do to correct this short of replacing the brifter? I searched BF and found only one somewhat related post. I have Down's manual and that's no help. I'm considering spraying WD-40 into the brifter hoping it's just gummed up, but I'll wait until I hear from the group here at BF.
If I have to replace the brifter, this will be real expensive since I will probably upgrade to a 9-speed. Any comments or help is appreciated.

PhattTyre
04-30-06, 02:09 PM
I wouldn't use WD-40. Try T-9. It'll clean it out like WD-40, but also leaves a little waxy lube behind, which WD-40 doesn't do. It might help a little, but most likely it's time for a new shifter.
Al1943
04-30-06, 06:40 PM
I worked on a set of shifters like yours for a friend and eventually had to replace them. Upgraded to 9-speed with new 105 shifters, hub, chain, and cassette, rebuilt the rear wheel and replaced the bar tape. New cables and housings come with the new shifters. Shifting was perfect with the old derailleurs and crankset.

Al

DieselDan
04-30-06, 06:53 PM
You're headed the right direction. I had the same problem with RSX brifters of similar vintage. You need to spray lube at the rate of more then you think you need to. I use Liquid Wrench Super Lubricant with PTFE. It's cheaper then T-9 or Tri-Flow, but better then WD-40, but WD-40 will work.
roccobike
04-30-06, 07:26 PM
IT WORKED! I didn't have T-9 or Liquid Wrench super lubricant, so I used Finishi Line, Teflon Plus spray. Like DieselDan said, I put the small tube that comes with the spray into every crevis I could find and sprayed. The result, every shift worked perfectly. I took a quick ride to test it again and it shifted every time. This is a heck of lot less expensive than buying another brifter but some day I'd still like to upgrade to 9-speed.