Daniel 62

I have the Shimano XT M780 shifters, and they seem to shift kinda rough. The actual detent mechanism.
There not very old, Do they need lubrication? If so, how and with what?
Maybe its normal, but it seems like it takes quite a bit of force with my right index finger.

thanks for the advice

Dave

skoda2

Make sure the cables and housing are in good condition, then flush the mechanism internally with WD 40 or equivalent until they shift properly, finally drip some wet chain lube into said mechanism, for proper lubrication.
Cheers

clydeosaur

Yes, to skoda you listen...

Andrew R Stewart 

If you disconnect the cables from the shifters you can both judge how the cables and the shifters function without the other contributing to the assessments. Shimano shifters, trigger styles, are known for the factory applied lube drying out after many years. But long before that cables often suffer from rust, grime, fraying. So both or none or one might be at fault. Andy.

speedy25

My shifters always seem to gum up on the post that the pawl rotates on. Still trying to find the magic lube that works well in winter AND summer! Pop the covers off and clean with your favorite solvent and lightly lubricate moving parts.

-SP

Andrew R Stewart 

SP= Have you pulled off the snap ring and done the clean (which simple sprays don't really do much of) and lube on the separate pawl/post? Andy.