rear derailleur problem
#1
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2021
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rear derailleur problem
I have Shimano TZ rear derailleur. when I'm shifting down (7--1) it works fine but I shift up it malfunctions. like it won't come down when I shift it to 2, then when I shift to 7 it jumps from 5 to 7. I tried fixing the limit screw recently. I also tried indexing using the barrel adjuster. but I can't fix it no way. please help.
#2
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,902
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From: Louisville KY
Bikes: 06 Lemond Reno, 98 GT Timberline
Try cleaning it first. Can use a toothbrush with soap and water, gently rinse off. Then lube the pivots with something like Tri-Flow or any good lube. Is the cable going to the der. moving freely? Is the shifter moving freely-not "hanging up". If the cable and shifter is OK, and the der. has been cleaned and lubed, it may be time for a new der. The TZ is a "budget" der.- might want to go up a level or two. EDIT-one other thing-has the bike been dropped on the der.side? Could be out of alignment, but you'd probably want a shop to check that.
Last edited by freeranger; 02-06-21 at 08:21 AM.
#4
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,327
Likes: 1,110
From: Roswell, GA
Bikes: '93 Trek 750, '92 Schwinn Crisscross, '93 Mongoose Alta
+1 Having a derailleur work one way and not the other is a classic sign of excess friction in the system, often caused by the cable. Pay special attention to the loop of cable going into the rear derailleur as it tends to collect road grit and other gunk.
#5
If it worked previously and now it doesn't...and nothing has changed, it's not an adjustment issues, it's more likely cable/housing or maybe a cable fraying in the shifter. Undo the cable from the derailleur and confirm the derailleur moves properly. If it does then you know you have a cable or housing problem. Move on from there. If you shifting has problems and nothing has happened to the bike (bent hanger, damaged derailleur) don't ever just start messing w/ limit screws.
#7
Senior Member



Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 9,182
Likes: 5,366
From: SF Bay Area, East bay
Bikes: Miyata 618 GT, Marinoni, Kestral 200, Soma double cross 2002 Trek 5200, KHS Flite, Koga Miyata, Schwinn Spitfire 5, Mondia Special, Univega Alpina, Miyata team Ti, Santa Cruz Highball, Waterford rs11
Sounds like you are off a little. That doesn't sound right, lol...
#8
Really Old Senior Member


Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 14,649
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From: Mid Willamette Valley, Orygun
Bikes: 87 RockHopper,2008 Specialized Globe. Both upgraded to 9 speeds. 2019 Giant Explore E+3
Failure to shift to the smaller cogs/higher gear is because the RDER spring can't pull the sticky cable back reliably through the housing.
Colder weather may exacerbate the problem.
Shifting to larger cogs is a brute force kind of thing, where cable friction is simply overwhelmed.





