Lubricating Downtube Shifters
09-13-08, 12:25 PM
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Lubricating Downtube Shifters
I recently picked up a Miyata 914 which appears to have been lightly used but not maintained.
The left downtube shifter is just a little "grindy." Should I use oil or grease to lubricate?
DavidH
The left downtube shifter is just a little "grindy." Should I use oil or grease to lubricate?
DavidH
09-13-08, 12:48 PM
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The 'grindyness' you're feeling is most likely drag caused by an oxidised or otherwise dry, unlubricated cable specifically at the cable guides underneath the bottom bracket that leads to the front derailleur. There may also be some stickyness in the shifter itself. Just take it apart and clean the friction plates then put a dab of phil woods waterproof grease on everything before you reassemble it. Just a light coating is all you need and you'll be good.
09-13-08, 01:34 PM
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Wino, I'll check that guide right now. (Everything is dry.)
I do have some Phil Woods grease coming.
Any "gotchas" when loosening the shifter screws? (If this this comes completely apart, there's zero chance that I'd be able to get it back together.)
I do have some Phil Woods grease coming.
Any "gotchas" when loosening the shifter screws? (If this this comes completely apart, there's zero chance that I'd be able to get it back together.)
09-13-08, 01:44 PM
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Just pay a little attention when you're disassembling it. Its friction for the left shifter, so there's really not much to all of it. The grindyness you speak of could also be the front derailleur sticking from age and non use. Be sure and clean the pivot points on the derailleur too. Somewhere between the der. pivots and the shifter is the culprit or culprits. Is the bike a 6-speed?
