ki1022

I recently bought a brand new SRAM X.9 rear derailleur. I noticed while installing that there is some play in the main bolt that connects the derailleur to its' hanger. Once the the derailleur is bolted on, I can move the whole assembly towards and away from my bike about 2-3 mm. Is this normal? I have been riding it like this over the weekend and I have to constantly adjust the derailleur. I have also tried a replacement hanger and there is still play.

froze

I am not familar with the Sram line so maybe someone can correct me if I'm wrong.

If your saying that the derailleur is actually sliding in and out on the MOUNTING bolt and/or the mounting bolt is moving then no that is not normal; and your clue to that is that you have to constantly adjust the derailleur. Sounds like the bolt is too long thus failing to keep the derailleur snug yet still be able to pivot back and forth. But the bolt should hold it firmly and still allow it to pivot.

AGAIN keep in mind I'm not familar with Sram stuff. With that in mind, did you install this yourself? if not then take it back to the LBS. If so, was there any left over parts that had you wondering what they were for? There may have been a washer needed for that bolt or a seal that looks like a washer that was suppose to go between the mounting plate and the mounting pivot spring. Also check to make sure the spring with the smaller diameter coil end is facing out of the mounting pivot housing...though I don't think that would cause the slack problem your having.

Then as you tighten the bolt and just before it actually tightens rotate the derailliur fully counterclockwise until it stops against the tab on the mounting plate or the end of the B screw (the screw used to adjust the tension of the spring on the mounting pivot) is against the stop tab on the derailleur hanger.

Different companies have different set ups but the slack "seems" to be a problem with too much space on the bolt which "should" mean the seal or washer...if SRAM uses this method...is missing.

ki1022

Yes, I did install it myself and have installed many derailleurs in the past so it was a normal procedure. Unfortunatley I did not notice this problem until after I rode for a little while and "used" the product.

Also, it does seem like a small washer or something might solve the problem, but there is no mention of this in the install instructions and no part in the box.

Maybe someone who has this same derailleur can chime in...

froze

See if this site is of any use to you, scan down about 1/2 way till you get to B Screw Adjustment: https://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=64

ki1022

The B-Screw is already adjusted properly but it still slides back and forth with the whole derailleur.

I found this pic on jensonusa.com...



That is the assembly that holds the derailleur in place. Unfortunatley it looks exactly the same as what I already have...

froze

You may want try a thin (2mm) washer (check around the house) and see if by chance it works.

ki1022

Yeah, that would probably solve the problem. Ill see what I can scrounge up tommorow.

Thanks for the advice, froze.

ISeeDeadHuffies

Have you run a tap through or inspected the threads on the hanger?

ki1022

Hanger is perfect. The play is still evident with the derailleur removed.

ScrubJ

Ever think about contacting SRAM? If they have a problem, they might be willing to help you with it. Heck, they might not KNOW there is a problem, and would love to find out.

JanMM

Gotta ask this: Does it seem to do what it's supposed to do? Does it shift well?

ki1022

I just installed a small washer I found in my friends garage. Problem solved.

Other than this little problem, this X.9 rear der. is really killer.

froze

Glad to hear it, now quite yakkin on the computer and go ride that thing!!!!