Bicycle Mechanics - Servicing XT Rapidfire shifters?

Can they be taken apart to clean and regrease without requiring a Japanese engineering degree? I'm refurbing a bike with them and although they work with no issues they're much tighter than I'd like/think they should be. I've done the Alivios and Deores with no issues, but these are obviously sealed up more. Thanks.

-R

I have had NO luck with shimano shifters. It seems they are set up to explode in to 250 parts that can never quite be put back together. seems like your shifter just need to break in a bit, or perhaps a few drops of Prolink or Shimano Slippery Spitt Wet Lube?
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_232056_-1_200312_200278_200312

I have had NO luck with shimano shifters. It seems they are set up to explode in to 250 parts that can never quite be put back together. seems like your shifter just need to break in a bit, or perhaps a few drops of Prolink or Shimano Slippery Spitt Wet Lube?
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_232056_-1_200312_200278_200312

Thanks. Not a break in thing, the shifters are the originals from 2001. Was able to clean the brake portion out, but the shifter pods I think have mice in them still :)

http://bicycletutor.com/rapid-fire-shifters/

Cleaning/degreasing and re-lubing with light oil is the most common fix.

You say you are refurbing the bike so I assume you have had the shifters disconnected, but might the extra friction be caused by the cables? Or perhaps by bad cable routing?

If the shifters ever stop working (ie. you have nothing to lose), then try taking them completely apart... it will very likely be the last time you try it :D

I blast them out with this (http://www.amazon.com/LOCK-EASE-GRAPHITE-FLUID-5-AEROSOL/dp/B000CIJUGA) and either clean and lube the cables or replace them, then lube all the derailleur pivot points.

If that doesn't free them up, it's time to replace them.

Cleaning/degreasing and re-lubing with light oil is the most common fix.

You say you are refurbing the bike so I assume you have had the shifters disconnected, but might the extra friction be caused by the cables? Or perhaps by bad cable routing?

If the shifters ever stop working (ie. you have nothing to lose), then try taking them completely apart... it will very likely be the last time you try it :D

Not the cables or the routing, new Jagwire Ripcords that are smooth as silk. But on these shifters you don't have to disassemble to change the cable, just pop an access screw and they slide out. But with them came some grit which I'm sure is the root of the problem. Bike obviously spent part of it's life in the blazing sun.

They shift correctly with no issues, just very "tight" I'd say they require twice the effort of a Deore set I have on another bike. I may be expecting something different which is a distinct possibility also.

They shift correctly with no issues, just very "tight" I'd say they require twice the effort of a Deore set I have on another bike. I may be expecting something different which is a distinct possibility also.

Try spraying them out with lube until it runs out the bottom of the shifter. It'll wipe out grit and add lubricant.

I figure the inside is just like a lock mechanism, so graphite spray makes sense. It doesn't dry out or gum up. If there's old dried out lube in there making them sticky, the solvent removes it.

Intresting idea on the graphite.