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How do I stop rear derailleur chatter?

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How do I stop rear derailleur chatter?

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Old 04-14-05, 09:39 PM
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How do I stop rear derailleur chatter?

This is driving me nuts. I can't seem to stop my 8-speed Alivio rear derailleur from chattering. It doesn't matter which gear I'm in, it's always there. I fiddled with the cable tension, adjusted the set limit screws, scrubbed everything down and oiled it nicely -- and it's still there.

I'm planning on replacing the whole lot with Deore front/rear derailleurs and converting to 9-speed (thank you, eBay), but I have a race on Sunday and don't want to bugger it up even more before then. And now it seems like my chain is skipping, too.

Is this a simple fix or do I need to throw the dice and put on the new rear derailleur before the race? Help!

Jason
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Old 04-15-05, 02:40 AM
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My guess is that your chain, cassette, or both need replacing. I doubt that the derailleur is the problem. See if the cassette teeth are worn. Also, check the chain for "stretch." Your LBS would probably check both for free (with the hopes that you'd buy any replacements from them).
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Old 04-15-05, 02:48 AM
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If the cable tension is properly adjusted and your gearing is also top notch, you may get a quick look at your derailleur drop out to check if it is not bent. Or as just mentioned, it can also be the cassette/chain ware out. diificult to pinpoint with out looking at the bike
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Old 04-15-05, 05:53 AM
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I agree with antione; I've had several of our department bikes with this problem, and found the too-soft hanger tweaked.
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Old 04-15-05, 07:31 AM
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I'm riding a 1998 Gary Fisher Wahoo, and the hanger looks fine to me. I suspect everything is just finally wearing out -- I've been clocking +100 km every week between commuting and fitness riding for the past couple of years.

Since I have a 30 km enduro-style race on Sunday, should I cross my fingers and leave well enough alone? Or should I haul out the toolbox and install the new Deore rear derailleur waiting for the rest of its 9-speed buddies? If so, is there anything special I need to keep in mind for an 8-speed?

I just don't want my rear derailleur to fall apart in the middle of the race. . . .

Jason
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Old 04-15-05, 08:47 AM
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Originally Posted by JasonJ
I'm riding a 1998 Gary Fisher Wahoo, and the hanger looks fine to me. I suspect everything is just finally wearing out -- I've been clocking +100 km every week between commuting and fitness riding for the past couple of years.

Since I have a 30 km enduro-style race on Sunday, should I cross my fingers and leave well enough alone? Or should I haul out the toolbox and install the new Deore rear derailleur waiting for the rest of its 9-speed buddies? If so, is there anything special I need to keep in mind for an 8-speed?

I just don't want my rear derailleur to fall apart in the middle of the race. . . .

Jason
"Looking" at the derailer doesn't cut it.
There is a precision tool that threads in to the hanger and checks for a bends.
LBS should have one.

Enjoy
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Old 04-15-05, 10:35 AM
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You might also check that your B tension screw is giving enough clearance, otherwise the jockey cog can 'bounce' against the cassette, and make noise. At least, thats what mine was doing! You want the B screw set so that on your largest cog the jockey pully is lifted off the cog just enough to prevent it from bouncing when you backpedal with your hands. It may not be the problem, but it is easy enough to check.

peace,
sam
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