Disassemble & Re-assemble Vintage Suntour Rear Derailleur

I show how to take apart, clean, lube and put back together a vintage Suntour rear derailleur. Unlike other derailleurs, to remove the pulleys, or at least the guide (jockey) pulley, you have to take these old Suntours apart. The derailleur in the video is a Suntour Vx GT. There are a couple dozen models of these vintage Suntour derailleurs that also need to be disassembled like this. They might be slightly different, but the process is pretty much the same.
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[@RJTheBikeGuy]

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[@stevefazio1534]

Restoring my first vintage bike, Suntour BL "blue" derailleur needed a complete tear down and cleaning--a daunting task for a newbie. This video was exactly what I needed. The derailleur is now gleaming and back on the bike working perfectly. Thank you so much for posting.

[@IAMGWH1]

Steve Fazio What bike do you have that Suntour BL on & what other components are matched with it?

[@punkinmyvitamins1]

I was giving my 80s Japanese made Gran Sport Raleigh a clean for the first time in 8 years and noticed the pulley that’s mounted to the bolt that holds the spring wasn’t moving freely. I didn’t plan on removing parts from the bike, but after that now I’m in the process of it. The Phillips head pin that holds the tension didn’t want to unscrew and I ended up stripping it. I had to use a vise grip to turn it. I didn’t watch the whole video yesterday and I gave up when I didn’t know how to remove the two slot (nut?) without feeling like I’d damage it. I just saw you used a flat head to spin it. I don’t think mine will move that easy because he of what happened with the pin but I just finished the video and I’m going to continue. Thanks RJ!

[@mattpohlhammer9482]

RJ - I'm restoring a vintage (1970's?) Nishiki "Super 5" that's equipped with a SunTour GT rear derailleur, and a derailleur-hanger stamped: 4532. It looks a little different than the one in your excellent video, but close enough for gals we dance with. :-) As I was disassembling the FILTHY "guts" of the RD, the spring sprung out of the RD body (I had not removed the stop-pin and released the spring-tension... Doh!) I also failed to notice the orientation of the crusty flat-washer on the jockey-pulley spindle. So, I grabbed a cuppa caffeine, and did an Internet Search, with my greasy fingers crossed. Lo, and behold, your KZbin video was one of the Search results, and my blood-pressure has returned to less-than-critical level. I hope that this feedback encourages you to continue Posting valuable data. It's my experience that there is often no other source readily available for tips on older components, so it's very helpful to see the components, and to hear your Tips about orientation, and the little details to which one must pay close attention in order to achieve success. If you ever find yourself in Orange County in Southern California, please consider making an appearance as a Guest Speaker at one of the Great Opportunities cycling activities. I lead "GO2" D.I.Y. bike-repair clinics at Green Park in San Juan Capistrano on the 2nd Saturday of each month. We like greasy-fingered "wrench"-types! :-)

[@humphreygokart2135]

I have one of these on my one and only bike, a Centurion All Terrain I bought c 35 years ago. I use the bike all year round and keep it outside even in winter and have never done much to maintain it; I just give it some WD40 once in a while, though I do remember taking out the little jockey wheel about 25-30 years ago in a fit of cleaning mania. During that I lost the bushing and couldn't get a spare, but it did fine without it and has so ever since. What this taught me was not to mess with these things unless I really have to, but maybe that day will come, and also I like the mental hygiene effect of taking things apart, cleaning them and putting them back together, James May style, in which case this video will be a splendid guide on how to go about it, so thanks!

[@millofenzi6895]

Thanks for this excellent video - enabled me to get my old Suntour Cyclone rear derailleur apart, cleaned, greased and all back together again for perfect function. The funky little slotted nut on the back of the pin that holds the spring/guide pulley was the mystery and your video made all easy. Great work!

[@rchandos]

My exact derailleur, was crusted with crud, but I feared disassembly due to the spring. (One nasty spring can ruin your whole day). So thank you for this nicely filmed video with excellent commentary!

[@stitchergary]

I can't remember if it was a Suntour or not, but back in the middle 1970's I took apart a derailleur and I released that major spring and it came out hitting me in the forehead between the eyes....it just about knocked me over and out..... 40 years later and I can remember that day.......thanks for the great videos, Gary

[@2Truth2you]

What a relief. Bought the same derailleur off fleabay and yesterday when i received it it had almost no tension on the cage. I have just rebuilt it with the the spring correctly tensioned at it works a treat. great video!

[@pn2543]

brings back memories of studying the Suntour Cyclone derailleur in high school in 1974. It was such an elegant little piece of mechanical design, it really impressed me. They were works of art in a way.

[@randystevens5654]

Thank you again for the great video. This is the derailleur on my 40+ year old bike, couldn't find anything on its disassembly- but you came through!! THANK YOU

[@danwalters76]

Extremely helpful video - Thanks! I was working on am '81Nishiki International (with SunTour BL) and getting the 2nd pulley out was stumping me until I found this video.

[@rachelshaffer1877]

Glenn's Complete Bicycle Manual is also a great resource for overhauling old bicycle parts. Using that and some of your vids.

[@MORTEF8]

It takes TA-270 GT cage remover, SUNTOUR genuine tool for embedded key nut on upper pulley. It was sold under 800JPY in 1970-80s.

[@HillbillyBassets]

Thanks! I've got a Suntour XC on my 1983 or 84 Cannondale with a frozen jockey wheel and you have saved me from several nasty surprises.

[@jonathan19947]

Used this video to help me disassemble a V Luxe rear derailleur, struggled my butt off to figure out how to put the cage pin back on while holding the cage, didn't know you can grab the pin with the fitted end tool and start it like that, thanks!

[@strtrekbuf]

Thanks for the video! I received an old 1980 Puch Pacifica and have this derailleur. The plastic pulleys were so gummed up they wouldn't turn. Your video sure helped! Many thanks for information.

[@LanceNYC]

GREAT WORK! I was afraid to clean that 2nd jockey wheel but this video tell me it's doable. (I hate things with springs ... Boioioinggg!) Thank you! Great contribution to the vintage riding community!

[@TheKoderius]

Got an exact same derailleur as this one. It`s a really good one considering its almost 40 years old. Thanks a bunch!

[@davidtraugot1405]

Thanks, RJ! You showed me the hidden screw to remove/replace the guide pulley (but I'll still need close-up glasses to se it!)

[@petesmith9207]

RJ, nice video on the old suntour derailluer. I was a mechanic for over 30 years and I can tell you know your stuff. Back in the day when that model of suntour derailleurs was out suntour made a real nice tool for removing the guide pulley on the small nut on the back side. It was a T handle tool that was hollow and at the end of the tube there were two dogs that went into the notches. It worked great for tightening and loosening the the nut. Nice job.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+Pete Smith I was thinking of making a tool out of an old socket for that. Wouldn't be too hard.

[@petesmith9207]

+RJ The Bike Guy Good idea. If I can find mine I will send it to you if you are doing a lot of old suntour rebuilds. I have watched a few of your videos and you do a very good job. Thanks

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

That would awesome! Thanks. I found a photo of one, but those old tools are hard to find.

[@DOBERSTAFFIE]

Suntour were great, had a set on my old bike in the 70s/80s never had any trouble at all so reliable were still on the bike and work when the frame died.

[@garryrichards9003]

Really appreciate the video which is very helpful. Shied away from cleaning my Vx GT derailleur previously but now will attempt it with your video to hand. Many thanks.

[@kenitcimm3467]

Great video RJ bikedude! Feel more confident tackling it after watching!!

[@9118693223]

these old derailleurs seem to be well manufactured . very nice video.

[@eddieallen6401]

Once again a fabulous video RJ. Loving your work and your love for vintage bikes.

[@henrycardenas6295]

Fantástico muchas gracias excelente vídeo me ayudó arreglar mi tensor suntour Vx un abrazote

[@danwells5545]

Thanks RJ. That's the exact model I took apart and was trying to put back together.

[@TheJwdude]

Thank you RJ This video was well explained on how to clean sun-tour pivotal rear derailleur

[@3bar17]

Thanks for a great video! Really helped me with the derailleur from my '79 Raleigh Super Gran Prix

[@nukedathlonman]

I like (and miss) old school Suntour gear. :-)

[@Hertog_von_Berkshire]

Thanks for that. Exactly what I was looking for.

[@tonyconnors1342]

Thanks RJ really enjoyed this video.

[@MP-zf7kg]

I am using a couple of old suntours. They seem to care very much which way you wind the shift cable around the fixing nut; so, if you have problems with your shifting after doing some work in that area, you may need to attach the cable differently. I suspect the issue is with the attach angle.

[@johnwatson2551]

Thanks r j , I have a box of derailers that need to be maintained

[@DavidCulshawmer-r]

a job well done RJ :) , I love taking things apart and making them like new too , your vids are great mate ;)

[@flor.e.cultura]

What a a Nice Job!!!! You are the best!!!!!

[@jordanrussell4152]

Thank you I needed this video

[@TheRocktalk]

I filed the head of an allen bolt so that it has two little prongs which fit neatly inside the recesses of the lock nut on the upper pulley. Clamp the improvised tool in a vice, place the derailleur on the tool and turn. Voila!

[@davorinrusevljan6440]

Wow they really went extra mile to make it difficult to maintain!

[@eddieallen6401]

Love these SunTour VX GT mechs. I’ve just bought a Raleigh branded one for my Clubman. Want to do Fred Whitton Sportive in the English Lakes in May and need something vintage that handles 34t. Anyone out there got one of these to handle an 8 speed cassette? I’m running friction shift, but you could tell that by my beard!

[@monka8112]

Great video! Just got a used GT long cage from eBay, but the tension spring's holding pin is broken off - I tried to bend the remaining coil bottom part so it fits into the little hole. And it seems to work - but only for a little while before it somehow pops away and looses not all but quite some tension. Is there a good way of fixing the spring ( or a secret place to find a replacement! )

[@carlosamador8085]

wow what a transformation like really nice!

[@Washawacha]

+RJ The Bike Guy thank you for the feed back :)

[@iboofer]

I bought this exact same model of derailleur on Craigslist and was wondering how to maintain it. Thanks!

[@TemporalOasis]

I have a similar model. Is there a way to increase the return spring?

[@wheeleyguy]

Great video. I enjoy your channel immensely....

[@stephenfrankish62]

Nice video.. Do you have any tips for 1st generation campagnolo chorus jockey wheel change.. I have done it but it just doesnt look right..i didnt expect all the springs etc to be disturbed when doing it

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Sorry, I have not worked on that model. And I don't know what you have done. Google images of the derailleur as to what it should look like.

[@johnsandoval347]

As Always... Geerrraaateee!

[@dannychan3551]

@RJ Quick question, my bike is being a bit wonky. When I shift into 4th gear, the bike shifts into 6th. What should I do for adjustment? Keep up the good work!

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+Danny Chan Sorry, I can't give you a quick and easy answer. Could be misadjusted derailleur, bent derailleur, bent derailleur hanger, damaged freewheel, damaged shifter, problem with the cable, etc. I would have to have the bike in front of me working on it to give you a solid answer.

[@LaserrSharp]

I have a 1984 Suntour Le Tech derailleur I want to overhaul. It's three pivot. Any tips before I start? Thanks for the video!

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Not familiar with that model. So I can't say.

[@chunkyleejones3831]

another top notch vid upload.......!

[@rickpoker]

Here here!!!

[@mr_munduq]

Hi! Thank you very much for this interesting video. I have a question: Can I to position the spring using another channel in order to put more tension on the derailleur? I put it a 34 tooth compact chainring on my road bike and the chain is loose and comes off the chainring. Thank you very much for your kind answer.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Did you shorten the chain? kzbin.info/www/bejne/e33WfKWdidljpbs

[@hedzb5954]

u can position the spring in any slot depending how 5ght u need it

[@trevormatthews6005]

I used a vx short cage in the early 80s it changed very smoothly and was within a few grams the campagnolo nuovo record but with a smaller price tag i guess the if it isnt campag it isnt worth having snobbery meant it didnt have a big market except on mid range bikes or hard up cyclists like me

[@Toto-is8ci]

Perfect!

[@ThePefix]

Hi, good piece of information.... and nice video. The reasom for finding you is that my Shimano Suntour ARX has a broken tension spring which can not find on the web. Do you know any shop for old spares?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Shrug. ask different shops. Many have parts bins. Not sure if they will have derailleur springs.

[@mattmers]

I made the mistake of removing the pivot bolt and releasing a spiral spring inside. Anyone have advice on how to get it back in?

[@JTheOtakuNerd]

um hey RJ, can you disassemble Shimano Altus for me because its really hard to disassemble

[@rchandos]

BTW, are you dispensing the Marine grease from a pump oiler? Neat trick! Beats dipping fingers into the can.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

A Dualco mini grease gun. www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0025UGOVW/ref=nosim/youtube25-20

[@xenon9887]

Drinking Game, count how many times "Here" is said. Take a sip for each occurrence! :)

[@nafs53]

Haha, was thinking the same. :-)

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+nafs53 Here.

[@nafs53]

My pal would like this so I'll show him; we'll test it out NY Eve. Lubricant may be consumed and cheapo wine used as degreaser..!!! :-) Have a gr8 2016

[@Caedo12]

xenon9887 only two minutes into the video and I'm drunk as a skunk!

[@schristiansen3151]

He does it in every video! It drives me crazy!!!

[@jamesslatter5629]

My retro road bike has this exact derailleur and frame mounted shifters, which to change gears you have to pull a certain amount. The only gears the bike seems comfortable in are my lowest and highest gear. In all the others, it skips and clicks and can’t decide which gear to sit in. Do you know how I can fix this?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Check this out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKvVoXZtn9etbrc

[@tenpennyguy]

Nice video - it helped me with my VT-Luxe clean and rebuild. I notice you didn't touch the hanger bolt or show if the hanger claw was part of your kit. I would love to hear your thoughts / guidance on installing that derailleur on a bike (mine is a 1977 Kuwahara). I am puzzling over the b-adjust and whether the hanger bolt should allow movement. Any help would be welcome.

[@takane151]

Same here. Upgrading a Raleigh from a Raleigh branded Suntour 7 to a VT-Lux, reusing the hanger from the 7, the b screw doesn't seem to be in line with the hanger tab, but the top pivot doesn't move anyway. Did you figure it out?

[@tenpennyguy]

takane151 I found some archive suntour manuals that say there is no pivoting. They talk about what angle to set the derailleur compared to the chainstay. Sorry I don’t have the link.

[@markjames007]

Hey RJ. I've taken apart my Suntour VX GT and was wondering what to use to clean everything up? especially the large spring. Thanks for all of your great vids btw!

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Degreaser or mineral spirits.

[@markjames007]

wow that was quick! Cheers man.

[@sflocation]

What the F. I just bought one. This is great thank you!!!!!!!!

[@tompoh2145]

Been watching most of your wonderful videos. Thanks for all the help. I'm restoring a vintage Apollo Prestige with the same setup. The rear wheel has a very little bit of play and am ready to replace the bearings. Looks like a sealed bearing setup, correct?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+Tom Poh I do not know. You will have to get in there and see.

[@jjwilliamso1]

Hi! Great video. I'm trying to replace a coil spring but I can't get the top part with the hex bolt to unscrew from the castellated post. In your video, it comes right off and the post stays in the cage, thus the top of the spring is exposed. In mine, turning the hex key simply removes the whole post from the cage, and the spring cannot be removed. I tried taking a vice grip to the post and turning the top but it didn't work and I don't want to damage it by gripping too hard and turning! Any idea?

[@dannyyo7948]

didnt do anything with that hanger bolt. does that bolt pivot? because when i tighten , the whole thing pivots from alittle pressure and becomes loose on hanger. locktite it? thanks!!

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

It's supposed to pivot on the pivot bolt.

[@Washawacha]

Do you disassemble every thing to know how it goes or do you have experience working with these type of dérailleurs because I'm very curious about that, by the way nice work I admire your skills :)

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+zaker ox I take a lot of stuff a apart. It's fun. I am also very mechanically inclined, so I can usually see how things are put together and work anyway.

[@danmurphy2379]

Hi RJ - first off thanks so much for your videos! They've been so helpful when overhauling an old falcon bike I had in the garage. I'm not sure if you answer Qs on videos this old, but I thought I'd give it a shot: I'd quite like to keep the old rear derailleur on there, but as I've gone from 5 to 8 speed on the back, the derailleur is too short. Also, it's an old Sachs Huret with the hanger built in. Is there any way I can extend it to work with the new cassette?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Derailleurs have specs. Like capacity, and largest cog. There are also limits on how far they will move for number of teeth. An 8 speed cassette will be wider than a 5 speed freewheel. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4OUdImNmMyola8 If it doesn't work, get a derailleur that will do what you want.

[@jimhill9099]

I have a very stiff spring in my SunTour aR II derailer? but can't seem to find a video on that model.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

A lot of the Suntour derailleurs are similar.

[@HamBone123456789ten]

Hey RJ! I’m a huge fan of the videos. They’re so clear and helpful. I just subscribed and set notifications for when you post. I have a question: Do you happen to own an 80s shimano 600 derailleur? I’m super confused about how to set it up. The clamp for the cable is inside the derailleur and no matter how I attach it, it kind of bends over part of the metal if that makes sense. The portion of the cable Between the housing and the clamp isn’t a straight line and it doesn’t make sense

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I install a Shimano 600 rear derailleur in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/goWbdIWnrqySd7s Not sure what you are talking about.

[@swanzilla1982]

Just bought a couple bikes with this derailleur..

[@TheRealD4]

2:00 ouch! What is that top screw for? (above the 2 limit screws.)

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h4PLfJSQmZt6jbM

[@willl5977]

Is it possible that I can use the notches that the tension spring goes in to add tension to a worn spring?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Maybe. Or just replace the thing.

[@brandongray1618]

Hey I was wondering if you'd know where I could buy some of those suntour idler pulleys? Thanks

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+Brandon Gray Check ebay.

[@rcireland]

Does anyone know where I can find pulleys for a SunTour XCE (circa 1991)? I ordered some Sun Race that supposedly would but the bolt is smaller than the 9mm on the XCE.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Ebay.

[@huutrongphan5503]

vintage derailleur is always beautiful. Nowadays, modern derailleur works perfectly but is always covered with a STUPID black paint layer. In my opinion, as they use a lower quality aluminium (which is easy to get rusted), so they always paint it to help it last longer.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Aluminum doesn't rust.

[@m00nbugs]

Why didn't you service the parallelogram spring and pivot points while you had the thing apart?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+John H Because I don't need to take it apart to oil that.

[@abz124816]

Here there everywhere.

[@hlobambam]

hi goodday sir. can a 8 speed hub/cogs fits on a 10 speed rd like shimano tiagra? thanks..

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+hjojazz An 8 speed cassette can fit in place of a 10 speed cassette.

[@pascalbruyere7108]

??? When I tighten the jokey wheels screws they lock up… something’s wrong….

[@nafs53]

I'd like to see the production line where these were assembled. 20 + per hour prolly and nimble fingers..

[@JoshuuaLee]

thank you!!!!!

[@MrTchupam]

This one need an hanger?

[@WL-mt4mv]

You need to be careful when dealing with Japanese equipment. What looks like a Phillips screw is most likely a JIS Japanese Industry Standard screw. You can get by with a Phillips but if it is frozen or rusted up a JIS will fix better, and you will be more likely to get it out. The JIS are also not designed to cam out unlike the Phillips.

[@chrismorgan4375]

Any interest in doing a similar video for a mountech?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Maybe if I come across one.

[@OmarOrtiz-id4ud]

Hey im #4 to click Like.....love your vids rj.

[@neilfroggycrompton2466]

check out disraeligears.co.uk for lots of info & pics on older style deraileurs :)

[@443DM]

I feel like a lot of blood-loss was edited out at 4:15

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Nope.

[@benschoenburg2163]

No

[@a.v.k.2852]

Don't tri this at home.