How To Disassemble/Reassemble Shimano RSX STI Shifters/Brifters (Left Shifter)

I show how to take apart a Shimano RSX STI Shifter (brifter) for cleaning, repair or overhaul and then assemble it again. This is the left side triple speed shifter. Some people say don't take these shifters apart. But it's pretty easy to take them apart, and not too hard to put them back together again. The model # is ST A410.
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[@RJTheBikeGuy]

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[@janinaplet4495]

Thanks a lot for this video. Is the also valid for shimano ST 1055?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

@@janinaplet4495 I am guessing similar.

[@janinaplet4495]

@@RJTheBikeGuy thank you. The 90 degrees turning was totally new for me. I'll try it, because the shifter doesn't work as good as before, after a dumb guy turned off the front cover and had no idea what he does.

[@janinaplet4495]

Very important question at last, shall I also use the 90 degrees also, when the gear rope is still tensioned? Question especially about the spring. (Sorry for my bad english, I'm a German)

[@cihanekici8202]

The modifiers on my 1991 model koga miyata exerciser bike are the Shimano 105 series, but they are exactly the same as the products here. Anyway, it was broken when I bought it and I took it apart to fix it, I cleaned the dried grease inside with wd40. When I put it back it didn't work. When I watched this video, I realized that I had installed the round spring incorrectly. I attached the bow of the right arm to the left and the bow of the left arm to the right. I fixed it and now it's like new. Thank you very much for the video. I love this archive.

[@mikulskn]

Great instructions and money saver! My friend brought me a Trek bike to look at the left RSX shifter since I work on bikes a little. The shifter was so bad that I thought there was a broken piece inside. With your instructions, I took it apart. After it was apart, it took me over an hour to clean out the thick and hardened grease. After 30 minutes of working it, I thought it had to have a broken piece since I could not get any good movement. Then I took carburetor cleaner to it (rather than plain degreaser). After some time and using my thumbs and fingers to coax the mechanisms while releasing with small lever, it started freeing up. Just posting my experience so others don't give up on getting it cleaned out and working. Again, thanks for such a clear detailed video of instructions!

[@asork]

thank you for the video, i have just rebuild my rsx shifter. One hack if you dont have the tool to install the spring just use a spoke nipple, it works just fine

[@thsjoknbg]

My shifter stopped working. Couldn't afford a new one so made the mistake of taking the front off to take a look. Your lesson got me out of a deep hole. Thank you very much.

[@lukaslanger5068]

Thanks! Worked just fine! I put them in an ultrasonic cleaner with distilled water and grease remover which worked fine. It seems like the rocker on the sigsaw patterned ring is the problem. I put some oil in the shaft and it works fine now

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Excellent!

[@ChrisinOSMS]

I used this video to fix a dumb mistake of trying to install a shifter cable into the cavity and not the retaining cup. This is very similar to a Shimano 600 STI grifter, except for the cover bolt hidden behind the badge. The Shimano special tool isn’t necessary but probably makes it 10x easier. I had three attempts before the spring would hold the lever closed vice open. Thank you for posting this.

[@TimothyTakemoto]

Thank you. The most difficult part was tensioning the spring on the lever. As explained at about 8:18. I did not know that we need to use a special tensioning tool. I do not have a tool but the good news is you can use a football inflating pump attachment instead. The hollow needle used to inflate footballs is a little bit too narrow but I managed to widen it with a pointy braddle and put that over the straight end of the spring prior to mounting the base of the lever. thanks again.

[@jdub8812]

Thanks so much for these awesome videos. I'm rehabbing a bike for a friend and his bike has these same shifters. The inside looked like it was encased in wax and was inoperable. I would have never figured out how to reassemble these with the springs without this video. Actually a little tip to people doing this at home, I bought an assorted pack of roll pins from Auto Zone for $4 and there was one in there that was exactly like the tool you used. Instead of having to find and order one online. Worked like a snap. Anyways, Great Video Thanks

[@twilliamsusmc]

Needed to figure out the front spring and you did it for me. Excellent

[@albertoflores6920]

Wow. Absolutely perfect. Just what i needed. I figured my STI was just on its way out. Simple clean and lube was all that needed, and this gave me the confidence to drop it myself.

[@stephenhib]

Brilliant video! Worked a treat. A Garmin watch strap pin also works nicely for holding the spring in the final step.

[@NickFuria]

This video helped me a lot to restore my 105 shifters. Are the same as those RSX. Thanks a lot.

[@billybradford]

Saved me a ton of work and the unit went back perfectly. Thanks RJ!

[@jedwards1211]

Thanks for your mention of Loctite 222, as a novice I didn't even know what threadlocker was or how many different kinds there are until watching this video!

[@jedwards1211]

Also thanks for mentioning the return spring installation tool, I've seen other tutorials that did not!

[@michaelgreene9791]

Bought some old 8sp Sora brifters off Ebay for $10. The faceplates were removed and some other dissasembly. Missing only #1 teeny tiny bolt. Thought it would be a fun puzzle to test my mechanic skills. For the life of me I cannot figure how to reassemble them. Wish I had an assembled exact matching pair to reference from. I have a feeling RJ would have suceeded were I failed. Finding that tiny bolt may be an issue though. These things are a mechanical manageree. They sure are convenient when they work properly, a hair puller to try to fix, a wallet burner to replace. I think bar end shifters are the way to go, much simpler and less moving parts. If you want them to do a video on how to put them hack together, I'll mail them to you free RJ. Consider it an educational donation.

[@alessandrorinaldi1010]

So grateful for this! Extremely helpful.

[@bambussbaumkeyboardsurfer2063]

Thx for the Video. You can Build the little Shimano Spring Shaft Reassemble tool by cutting a 4-5 cm wide piece of paper and rolling it up tightly. Then you roll 1-2 times a thin ductape around it so it has some strenghs to withstand the wind up force of the spring.

[@johnnybagarre478]

Just a heads up because I just had to solve this issue : If you don't have access to the spring install pin (7:50 to 11:00), you can still install it pretty easily (It was almost impossible to install for me, until I figured out this technique). This technique worked on a shimano RX100 shifters, but it is the same as in the video (the spring is a little bit smaller on mine though). - install the spring, with the twisted end in the hole, and with the other end pointing outwards. - push the other part of the shifter in from above, in order to make it push down on the outwards pointing end of the spring. - once the hole are almost aligned push a screwdriver (or any object whose thickness is almost that of the hole) from the end opposed to the spring - wiggle and push the screwdriver it, while adjusting the shifter parts alignment, in order to have the head of the screwdriver appear at the opposite end of the hole (it is much easier using a screwdriver, since you have a nice grip and much more force than with the little pin - once it's all the way in, you just have to push the little pin in, pushing out the screwdriver.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Or just use a small tube. Like the tube from inside a ball point pen...

[@ilovesmybike]

Hi RJ, hope you’re well? I have just completed my second service on an RSX STi shifter and can comment that this time went far more smoothly than the last time. Still I think there’s no need to buy that Shimano tool, I snipped the bulbous end off a long aluminium anti-fray cable end, opened out the hole again then used that. It works a treat and no need for all that expense on a proprietary tool that you may only use once in a while? The other thought was that your advice to push the pin through the long bushing side when reassembling is key to successful reassembly. Only got 3 more to do today but thanks again for an exceptional step by step guide through the service process. I want to ask you one question, on balance, is flushing the mechanism with WD40 as described on another of your tutorials actually the first stage to try, because I think it could easily be as effective as taking the brake shifter apart and a whole lot easier!

[@volvoklassiekervereniging8576]

Thank you. Was hesitant to try to remove and fix my badly behaving left shifter. But knowing exactly where to spray WD40 to free the mechanism, alcohol to remove the WD40 and then lube is great! Thanks!

[@mpmccluskey99]

I love your videos! they've already saved me hundreds of dollars. Case in point...I just bought this model of shifter on ebay. I want to convert my old hybrid to a gravel bike (sound familiar?). The posting clearly stated "Not Working." After watching your video, I bid in confidence knowing I could probably fix them. Sure enough, I got them working and paid about 50-60% below the going price for working shifters. Keep them coming!

[@nicoruf6152]

thank you for your help. So nice to have a shifter clean

[@garyrobinson7128]

Thanks I have a old BASSO racing bike that now has a new lease of life!

[@swcooper]

Nice, I must've half disassembled my one that went bad a year or more before you posted this, and I could only find a vid by some Japanese guy who didn't speak English, and never succeeded in getting at the real mechanism. Hopefully I've still got all the pieces and I'll re-try. bought a replacement 7 speed Sora shifter a while ago now though.

[@trentkleyn4393]

my left shifter doesn't have that plastic cover that you said was broken. It still works great. I'm just surprised the whole cover isn't built into the big lever like it is on the right side shifter

[@johnb.9806]

I wonder if you can buy them.

[@KarlosEPM]

@@johnb.9806 Unlikely. If it's plastic and you or someone you know have access to a 3d printer, maybe that's the way to go. I've had broken spring covers for cantilever brakes 3d printed and work well... Knowledge is required to select a similar plastic and ensure adequate resolution though. Maybe this helps you or someone else. Cheers.

[@snowchaser75]

Thankyou! Saved me buying a replacement!

[@outdoorgeekery8831]

Great video! One question - would this work on my 3x7 speed mountain bike groupset (Deore LX from the 90's)? Reading here and there that there are 3 'clicks' but one is only for trimming between small and large chainrings?

[@turi0710]

helped me a lot, thanks from France :)

[@spencerdeig7244]

What would you use to lube these after they were cleaned? Is regular grease too thick?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Maybe Super Lube or Phil Tenacious Oil.

[@Batsi92]

thanks mate, very helpful! especially the part with the spring in the end :) greets from germany

[@eriksjoeberg2197]

Thank you for the instruction, really helped me!

[@GeorgeBurkhard]

Thanks a lot for making this video. It's very helpful!

[@MrFarmaco]

Hey man appreciated this nice video. When I unmounted the shell I found two super tiny white washers made out of plastic that were floating around. Seems like some kind of sealing for dust or water. Do you know anything about them?

[@minkfurcoat]

What would you use/do to fix the plastic shield thats broken? Mine is too and I'd rather not risk the extra dirt and crud that'll enter the internals without one. I also have zero idea how to go about gluing or fixing one. Thoughts?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Mine was loose, but the shifter worked fine. Not sure what would be a good way to fix that.

[@censirosa5338]

Il est possible de remplacer le flexible par une gaine rétractable que j ai fais chauffée sur une petite btr, , merci pour cette aide cordialement

[@censirosa5338]

Thank’s

[@jimnespor2231]

RJ, awesome video thank you. I have the exact same brifter, And can you tell me what it means if the bigger of the two levers does not click twice? ( see at about 4:26 in video). Thank you

[@iamjustsobody3991]

Very nice video, Can it be done without the "TL-ST03 Spring"? Because is it kinda hard to find it! Thanks, cheers

[@weoifjojisd]

You can use the plastic filling of a ball-point pen. Just slide the back over that spring pin. Worked fine for me!

[@4numbers]

Thank you!

[@mariomata9663]

Hi RJ, your vídeo never disappoints, thanks to show us to do something otherwise you would never think of rushing, A little help, I have really problem to buy (always out of stock...) the TL- ST02 or 03 but I’m pretty sure that I can use a spring ping but I needed the dimensions of your tool. Could you help me with that?. Total length, internal and external diameter it’ll be great. Thanks in advance,

[@121LaZer]

Thank you so much

[@dthurney]

Nicely done, sir. Thank you for sharing.

[@MrDoggy2024]

If I use engine oil will it work to lubricate?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Lubricates engines great.

[@MrDoggy2024]

Is it posible to have some amortization and the shifter do not work after lubricating? And did they lubricating works for a long time or is short time problem solving?

[@MrDoggy2024]

If I lubricate them once for a year as a servising is this ok?

[@worldfrequency]

Great video. Thanks! Now question. I have a ST-7700 dura-ace right side shifter which is broken. I know what the problem is. Its the main pivot bracket. On the 7700 lever main pivot bracket, there's a small hook that extends downward to stop the smaller lever flare outward. This small hook snapped off. Now I acquired another non functional right lever. I want to take the bracket off from that lever and replace the broken one. Do you know how to take off that "[" shaped main pivot bracket? Thanks!

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Carefully. Taking them apart down to that level is possible, though I haven't done it. There is a good chance you won't be able to put it back together.

[@jedwards1211]

+RJTheBikeGuy would you say that the RSX design is a bit flawed? I managed to clean my shifters back into working condition, but for the left shifter especially, there's very little tolerance for when friction causes the large lever to move slightly when the small lever moves -- then a tooth controlled by the large lever tends to get in the way of the pawl controlled by the small lever, preventing it from swinging down to engage the ratchet. I would imagine there are much more tolerant/reliable brifters out there?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I like the RSX shifters. They seem pretty solid. Newer shifters seem to be more prone to breaking.

[@jedwards1211]

Cool, well, glad I wound up with some then!

[@gracelsbariga767]

any idea on what hood cover is an alternative on that shimano rsx sti?

[@NickFuria]

I now need to find new hoods for them. Do you know more modern hoods that are compatible?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

The hoods are specific to the shifters. You may or may not be able to find new replacements.

[@NickFuria]

@@RJTheBikeGuy Thanks bud

[@Antiwasserstoff]

I can't push the pin out, is there anything i can do without damaging the shifter?

[@markcouture5227]

I came in possession of a Trek 1220 with these shifters from someone who hadn't ridden it in years. I tried shifting but they were pretty hard to move. I watched the video of how to clean them and now they move freely. However, they don't move the cable and there is no "clicking" sound. I have some mechanical abilities and this seems pretty straight forward, but do you think it will 'repair' my issue? Thanks in advance

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnfQoolqoNGtl7s

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmillGOHoNqXjZo

[@markcouture5227]

Thank you! An update. I had to take them off the bike, but haven't taken them apart, yet :) The right one seems to be working fine. However, the left one is clicking like its working but it doesn't move the "cable" when I actuate the break handle. I can push the cable holder with my screw driver, then use the gear handle to change it back (2 clicks). Also, if I push on the plastic housing and use the break handle it will move one position only. Looks like I will need to disassemble. I will watch your video again. Again, thanks for the video's.

[@markcouture5227]

I have taken the shifter apart and looks like a little spring is broken. Do you sell internal parts? It pushes the piece of metal against the shifter to shift up (using the brake handle). You put your finger on the part at about the 4:00 to 4:01 of the video. If you don't sell the spring, do you know where I can find it? THANKS AGAIN!

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I don't sell parts. You might not be able to find parts. Might just need to replace it. There is a guy on ebay who repairs some of these old brifters.

[@davogladwin]

This video was brilliant, thank you so much completely restored a friends shifter for him. I didn't have the shimano part for the putting over the spring to put the shifter back together and I just couldn't get the pin back in. The explanation of the spring in this clip: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fp2VmGiNr9t4jNk at 14minutes 29 seconds just gives a good visual of how to get that spring sitting properly without the little tool to put it all back together and align the pin back in. Thanks again, your channel is brilliant.

[@kenshinlopez6789]

I have this shifter in my Giant ONCE TCR but im afraid of opening it up because its broken

[@Gilerajohannes]

I can see that I have to try this on my left shifter allso it will not allways shift down from the big chain ring to the small chain ring it takes some times some frantic shift press before it shifs down not funny when a hill is comming up ahead on the road

[@lshanw]

I simply can’t get the plastic piece from 7:38 in… the shifter is still on the bike right now. Is this piece necessary??

[@kemteh]

After reassembling my shifter the large shift lever does not spring back without a nudge. Do you have any idea what could be the cause? (Thanks for your videos. They are a tremendous help.)

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

The spring is probably not installed correctly, and is jammed between the lever and the body. Maybe in the wrong hole. Or it slipped out of the hole.

[@kemteh]

Thanks. That is what I thought. I keep thinking I have it, but I must be missing.

[@vladimirmisin1876]

Did you ever manage ? @@kemteh

[@kemteh]

@@vladimirmisin1876 Yes. After several tries everything works great.

[@vladimirmisin1876]

Did you figure the culprit ? @@kemteh

[@joaocrrcl]

XTR dual control use the same system?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Same how? As far as how they work? Dis-assembly would very different. But how they work would probably be the same concepts of ratcheting with pawls.

[@sebastienpierrel6087]

What's the function of the spring seen at 2:02 and 6:01?

[@kisspeteristvan]

Sébastien Pierrel i guess that's needed for the big lever

[@irosaljasrof.delatorre6725]

Wer i can buy the hood of that sti

[@scottpatton2120]

The video was able to get me through the process but it wasn't as easy as he made it out to be. For one thing, his shifter was not on the bike as mine was. That complicates it immensly. Another thing, that plastic piece wasn't broken on my shifter & when reassembling has to go back on prior to putting the main handle back on. I had to break mine to get it back in because I wasn't going back to dealing with that spring to put it back in. By the way if the cable it still attached, putting the main shifter back on is by far the hardest part of reassembly. Waiting until the last moment to say you need a special tool to reassemble is also a bummer. I got it back together alright without it. The real bummer it that it still didn't work. I think that the shifter is in a different place then where the chain is. I'll have to check that out.

[@khanhvanquanthi8476]

chịu tiếng tây chả hiểu gì cả .

[@OneDely]

Thank you!!