Bicycle Mechanics - Rear derailleur won't move until 3 click on shifter.

I am trying to set up an old raleigh frame with suntour shifters and rear derailleur. I am using new cables and housing. When I try to shift, the derailleur doesn't move until the third shift going toward the big cog. I can see the cable move, but the derailleur doesn't. What am I doing wrong?

Usually when that happens it's because you didn't have the shifter in the smallest cog position when you initially set the cable tension.

Usually when that happens it's because you didn't have the shifter in the smallest cog position when you initially set the cable tension.

I originally did that. But then put the shifter in the smallest cog and redid the tension.

I originally did that. But then put the shifter in the smallest cog and redid the tension.

OK. If you're sure that's right, check every place that you have a cable housing end. What you're looking for is a couple of stray wires sticking out of the end. That's the mark of a cable housing failure. If you find that, remove the cable housing, recut it to square off the end and install a new farrel.

The rear cable could be binding in the housing.