mkeller234

This seems like it should be really easy...of course it's not. I have a shimano Deore DX front derailer that clamps onto an aluminum frame. It shifted fine, the I removed it to clean it. Everytime I start to tighten the clamp, I meet a lot of resistance in the screw like it bottomed out, but the derailer is not held on tight? Is there supposed to be a little looseness to it, or is there a trick to it.

Also, it has 105 downtube levers that I can't figure out. The left hand lever won't lay flat with the frame, I have tried various arrangements of the base washers to get it to work but have had no luck. This is the way I got it, any suggestions??

Fibber

Cannot help you with item #2, but I strongly suspect that (assuming the nut attached to the band clamp is properly in place) the hex head screw is crossthreading and not properly threading into the nut.

If in doubt, take the front derailleur band clamp off the seat tube, and put it all together on a bench so you can observe the backside and how the screw meets the nut. Screw it in so that it compresses the band until the inside diameter of the clamp matches the seat tube diameter (would be tight) and see if the screw would indeed drive all the way in until it hits the tube. It shouldn't now if it fit together properly before.

mkeller234

Sorry, forgot to update. Problem #1 is fixed, I had to push the clamp toward the derailer while I turned the bolt. Problem 2 still exists, maybe it's not a problem??

Old Fat Guy

Problem #2 I've had, and as far as I can figure, that's the way it was made. Bugged the heck out of me, but worked nonetheless. That's why I stick to Dura Ace or Campagnolo.

mkeller234

Hmm, thats what I figured. Very odd, but yeah they work.

Thanks!

unworthy1

AFAIK and can remember that is "normal" for several of the later Shimmy DT shifters, the installation sheet spells it out and of course I've forgotten what the reasoning is/was...it's Shimano: they know better than we do...resistance is futile

Mike Mills

Look at it this way, it certainly is easier to grab a handfull when it's there rather than along the downtube.

mkeller234

Very true, I am just going to enjoy it as a unique quirk. (and insist to my friends that I did not put it on wrong)

poprad

I have some newer DA downtube shifter levers that are made that way on purpose; the FD lever is slightly raised. In the directions for installation it mentions that this is to make it easier to grab it for shifting.