Bicycle Mechanics - Shimano Altus-LT Help

The attached picture is of the rear derailleur on my Schwinn LeTour in the following gear:

Small ChainRing / Small Cog

So, I know that this is a bad gear combination, but is there a problem with the way the derailleur is in this picture ? I dont know if it is clear in the picture, but the two jockey wheels are right next to each other and at almost the same vertical height, so the chain runs millimeters apart. Instead of rubbing the chain against itself, it rubs against a metal guard under the right jockey wheel (not shown) which lifts the chain that is returning from the left jockey wheel and prevents it from rubbing against the incoming chain from the right wheel.

(Hope that made a little bit of sense)

Here is my problem --- the chain is rubbing against a metal guard there !! That can't be good for my chain, and it sounds like hell, grinds away, etc.

If the left jockey wheel was just a bit lower it would clear that metal guar, but if I rotate the main arm (looks like a tilted over '7' in this picture - I don't know what the real term is) counter clockwise, I get major slack.

I can't find any manuals on these components (Cheap, old, I guess), and my books don't discuss this, and barely make mention of older derailleurs.

HONEST NOTE

I was cleaning out this are and adjusting the limit screws, so I could have moved the wrong thing, I am not sure.

Any comments ? Need more pics ?

HOLY CRAP THAT PICTURE IS HUGE !!!

Really sorry about that - first time posting pictures - but it gives great detail I guess. Sure am glad I cleaned my chain first :)

It's hard to get a good overall view with the pic being so huge but the markings on the dropout suggest that the wheel and derailleur should be back just a little bit. Are you sure that the whell is right where it should be?

if you look right at the dropouts where the axle goes in there is a bit of red undercoat that u can see. I think the derailleur and wheel came loose and moved up.

Originally posted by WorldIRC
if you look right at the dropouts where the axle goes in there is a bit of red undercoat that u can see. I think the derailleur and wheel came loose and moved up. Which is pretty much what I said in the previous post.

Great minds think alike.:D

Cool - I will try that for the ride this morning and see how that works !!

Thanks !!!

It doesn't look like the derailure slipped enough to cause a problem.

Your chain is hitting the derailure.

If you plan to use this combination in riding, your most sure bet will be to shorten the chain by a couple of links.

HOLY COW! Simple soultion,just don't do it! But as others suggested make sure the axel is correctly positioned and everything is tight. There may be a 'B' tension screw on the back of the derailer that alters the relationship of the upper pulley.Go to www.parktool.com or Sheldon Browns articles at www.harriscyclery.com for derailer adjustment.