AlanHK

I'm having problems with a Shimano Deore DX rear derailleur. The mounting pivot seems a bit stiff, so I'd like to disassemble and clean it.

But I can't work out how to get it off...

I've looked in Barnett's manual, which says:

But I can't see this clip.
Can anyone give idiot-proof instructions, or a labelled diagram (Barnett omits to show this part).

gmcttr

https://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=76

Here you go. I just overhauled an LX last week and Park's instructions were right on the money as usual.

Rowan

The circlip can be mighty hard to identify sometimes. There should be two little "loops" that just stick out of the pivot. You can insert a flat-head screwdriver into one, and prise the circlip out as shown in the Park Tools illustration. However, getting it back in using the slot on the pivot can be a bit of a bear because of the preload on the spring. Make sure the circlip is bedded properly in the recess on the derailleur body and in the pivot slot.

AlanHK

Thanks all. The Park site is very good. However, I need to back up a bit: How do I get the damn derailleur off the frame? Turning the Allen head on mounting pivot just rotates it in the frame, it doesn't go in or out. I thought it would screw out. Does it have a normal RH thread? Could there be a flat nut that's fallen off from the inside and the pivot is being held in by grit? I don't want to force it and strip the threads.

Rowan

I don't think this sounds very promising. As far as I know, the bolt should unscrew anticlockwise as normal. Have you stripped away the cables? It might just be that whatever is causing the derailleur to not work properly is stick it to the frame. Have you given the derailleur a tug to get it off?

DScott

I just took my RD off the bike today and saw that the captive "nut' side of that bolt/nut combo has a slot for a flat head screw driver. Presumably, this is to stop the nut from spinning while you turn the bolt side with the allen wrench. You can access it from the back side (wheel off, course).

I realize this is a very late post, but am just now researching how to deal with a bent RD or hanger (you pick...), and thought I'd chime in for posterity's sake.

Hope it went well for you!

AlanHK

Thanks, I'll check it out. I never got the derailleur pivot off. But I replaced the chain, the crankset and the cluster; i.e. everything else, and at least it works.

DScott

Try this site, and the parts diagram for your derailer: https://bike.shimano.com/catalog/glob...=1164031274614


Looks like yours might have the c-clip holding the back end of the hanger bolt on...