OldRoadman

Hello;
I thought I would let some time pass until I beg (or plead) again for a coil cage spring for this model (VGT-Luxe) derailleur. Perhaps someone has a beat up or rusted VGT-Luxe that they would like to donate or sell cheap. Provided it has a functioning cage spring. OR... has a cage spring they would like to sell. This must be the VGT-Luxe spring only! No other Suntour model cage spring will work. I checked out the mechanical diagrams and tried other versions and they do not work.
The unit that it will be for is in great physical shape and I would like to use it for Spring re-build.
Any help will be appreciated!

Thanks, Bill

stausty

There was one sitting in a bin at the local co-op last time I visited. Might still be there when I can go back this weekend.

Zaphod Beeblebrox 

OldRoadman, can you post the mechanical diagrams or perhaps give a little detail as to how you'd go about replacing that spring?

I've got a Suntour Cyclone RD that the cage spring died on, and I'd love to get it back running again.

OldRoadman

Replacing or re-lubing these assemblies are quite easy. Just use the appropriate Allen wrench to remove the cage tension screw, remove the tension spring and cage tension axle. Use your favorite solvent to clean these parts and use your favorite light bearing grease to restore to like new operation. Very important! Make sure you mark the position (I use a red Sharpie) of the spring end position located at the top end of the cage axle (Notice the position slots at the end of the cage axle). Note the pic of a VGT-Luxe broken spring. I also like to remove the Cage stop pin so I can freely move and rotate the Cage ass'y. when re-installing the spring and tension screw. Generally, if the cage has no tension, the spring is probably broken at the position end and needs to be replaced. If it is sluggish, it just might need to be cleaned and re-lubed, as over time, the factory grease turns into varnish!

Zaphod Beeblebrox 

Oh man that is so awesome.. Thank you for those Diagrams...they are being printed out and hung on the wall by my workbench!

Where'd you find those things?

jish1969

Ummm...I guess if you have it can you post the VGT-Luxe diagram? Thats what is on my Paramount
Whoops nevermind, my computer just likes to load the first image twice for some reason...

Ablaut

Oldroadman, how did you get the cage off from the tension axle for this model? I feel like I'm missing something 'cos mine won't budge.

unworthy1

I'll keep my eyes peeled for one, especially if stausty's doesn't pan out....seems like I had one in one of those bins

OldRoadman

I'm not sure if I follow your question. Did you mean how did I get the cage tension spring off the tension axle.
If that's the case... I use a large needle nose pliers to pull the spring up and out of the assembly.
If you are asking about the separation of the Cage assembly from the Shifter body, it should pull away with the tension axle attached to the Cage. That's if you are referencing the VGT-Luxe. If it's the Cyclone, you may have to remove the tension axle via the Pulley connector nut. See the diagram.

Ablaut

What I thought earlier to be a VGT-Luxe changed to a GT before my eyes. Oops! Still not sure how to separate the cage assembly from the main body, but I won't hijack the thread.

mcgreivey

This is how I take my VG-Luxe apart:

1. Remove the cage stop pin (put tension on the spring to keep it open enough to allow this)

2. once the post is out, carefully let the tension off and let the cage tension spring unwind, until it's relaxed.

3. remove the cage tension screw.

4. before taking anything else apart, note and mark the position of of the tail of the spring, as OldRoadman said above in reply #4

5. now take everything apart and clean and relube


Reassembly:
reverse of above.

due ruote 

+1 those are great. Sorry I can't help you with a spring. Would it be too obnoxious for me to ask if you have the diagram for a Vx? I'm a little surprised that the spring is different. Not that I've really done a side-by-side comparison.

OldRoadman

I have Repaired almost all the old Suntours and I have found that the tension springs are unique to each individual model. I have not found any interchangeability. To answer... No the Vx will not work with the VGT or vise verse, unless you modify the spring. I don't have the Vx diagram, but it is very similar to the VGT or GT. I have these:

Ablaut

Thanks for the extra diagrams, VERY helpful! I hope a spring comes your way soon.

roundwheels

Is this the VG-Tluxe you're talking about?

Grand Bois

Obviously.

OldRoadman

I should have ended this thread by saying that a generous forum member sent me a replacement spring!
That's a nice V-gt Luxe.

Thanks, Bill

NukeouT

Wait, how does the Cage Tension Axle come off? It's shown to have threads in there, but there is nothing to really grab it by in order to turn it. I tried putting a flathead screwdriver to the head of it, where the spring attaches, but that just started to mess those ridges up.

mcgreivey

I've taken it out the way you tried, using a big flat-blade screwdriver. Or maybe the back of the blade of an old butter knife. Something flat, and big enough to fit into the slots in the "crown" without wiggling too much.

NukeouT

Thanks. Butter knife worked great!

NukeouT

How would I test all the adjustment screws and know that they work, without putting the V-GT Luxe on a bike?

mcgreivey

If they turn when you screw them in and out, they're probably fine. If the screws are rusty, you might want to hit them with WD40 or something and let it sit for a while before trying to turn the screws.

Sixty Fiver

Rode my P20 into my favourite LBS the other day and the senior mechanic comes over and sees the Vx derailleur and says how much he loved these as they were so serviceable and re-buildable.



Nice to see that people are still keeping these great old derailleurs going and I have a Vgt that I need to overhaul here as well... worked on a couple of old Deore and Exage rear mountain derailleurs this am in case someone needs a spare.

Both looked great but both had seized b screws so once I got them out chased all the threads which makes them work like new.

NukeouT

One of them is very rusty, so I will definetely hit it with some WD40 before testing them. Should I put grease on the two springs that move the mechanism close-to and away from the bike as well, or is that WD40? Those springs are rusty, but hard to get to.

Noah Scape

I broke this tab off my spring (that sounds wrong!) while on tour in the early 80s, miles from anywhere in Utah. If you haven't found one yet, PM me and I'll see what I can do.

Edit: Never mind... I see you've found it.