How To Repair Stiff/Frozen Rear Derailleur Mounting Pivot

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

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[@guillaumemuller-greven1425]

Great Video! This might be a stupid question: At 7:00 minutes when you're reassembling the mounting pivot. Do you add any grease to the spring or the casing for the spring? Wouldn't the penetrative fluid cause it to rust over time? Thanks RJ

[@Sergey-vj8iv]

Я по твоим видео отремонтировал свой... Привет из рассии. 🤗

[@louisaddeo-weiss7434]

*Just an awesome **Latest.Bike** ....well constructed, sturdy, great looking…got me back out on the trails!! Could not be happier!!*

[@DZeeSea]

I'm glad I have found this video, after four months of winter cycling I have this exact issue with my derailleur. I had initially misdiagnosed a chain skipping problem to a defective freehub, but it turned out that when I manually moved the pivot into position the chain stopped skipping. I suspect that a frozen rear derailleur causes more tension on the chain than the freehub is designed to take so my cassette was actually being forced(and skipped) forward way too hard. Love the way you creatively use your tools to avoid using brute strength.

[@hughcronshey3202]

Exactly the tutorial I needed. My rear derailleur is completely stiff and I had no idea how to dissemble it. Thanks!!

[@WolfyTheMarin]

It works! Was considering binning my rear mech, but with the global parts shortage I was forced to repair it instead. So glad I did. Just remember to get the backing plate over the top of the tab. I didn't do this and wondered why the b limit screw was facing the wrong way. Thanks for an excellent video.

[@soody4975]

These videos are so good because of the 10% difference between someone who is clearly a pro but still struggles a little bit because things are difficult and fake overly polished instructionals that make you feel like an idiot because they go too smoothly

[@job2k6]

My mounting bolt was so stiff it would no longer turn, making it impossible to put the derailleur back on the bike. This video helped out big time. Thanks!

[@patrickchapmanni]

Brilliant. This has been bugging me for ages and just sorted it out on my ultegra di2. Had to use some really fine wet and dry to clean the barrel out, it was quite badly pitted, but it's working like a dream now. Also managed to avoid using the grip clamp and just use my fingers to get the last piece back on the spring. Watch when removing though it comes off with a pop. Cheers

[@cman37421]

Thanks for this! I was having trouble getting the spring tensioned again and your bench vise / vise clamps tip did the trick.

[@Deckard79]

Hello. I want to thank you enormously your educational videos about the inner mechanisms of bike's parts. In my case, the have helped a lot particularly and generally. Particularly, to fix a frozen read derailleur Tiagra 4600 b-axle. Thanks to this video, and another one of your dedicated to that particular problem, I was able to understand the working mechanism of this part, understand the root cause and fixing it. Generally, because by watching your videos and replicating your actions, I grew in confidence in my manual abilities and I began to develop some creativity in how to solve some issues, the most basic one, for example, how to replicate some of your actions when I didn't have your tools with the ones I have. Thanks to that, yesterday, with a problem of a frozen arm bolt unit, I had the confidence to dismount the whole brake piece by piece, lube everything and make it again fully functional. Thanks to you, besides saving a huge amount of money and making usable again parts that I would have discarded wasting many valuable materials from a limited supply in the Earth, I had a lot of fun and learnt a lot. Thanks!

[@peterherron29]

Yep that all worked for me - great tip about the socket and vice.

[@chelseaSD]

I just ran into this problem yesterday on an older 7 speed XT derailleur. I took it apart but I wasn't sure whether the pivot bolt came out. Much like your video it is fairly well stuck in the housing. I gave up and just put it back together. Now that I've seen your video, I will be fixing it later today. Thanks a bunch for all the help you post in your videos! 😀

[@Dilengerman1]

I love watching your videos some of the other how to bicycle gurus, do not go into vivid visual detail like you do. Please keep sharing your knowledge with us.

[@adamhellstrom]

Thank you for a very well made instruction video. The video teaches how to fix a stuck mounting pivot bolt, and also how to make an instructional video. Every step is shown clearly and everything is explained in detail. Thank you!

[@sigmundward5881]

Another excellent vid from RJ to help all us DIY bike tinkerers out there. And totally plain speaking and to the point, without going into unnecessary detail, although I suppose there will be slightly different frame attaching bolt/spring designs to what he was working on, I guess RJ covered all the universal aspects which apply to them all. And if there's some slight departure from the basic design, no doubt peeps will mention it here in the comments to explain it to everyone. Anyway, the other great thing about these vids is they often cover the more obscure bike maintenance/repair jobs not dealt with by other bike repair buffs posting vids, but still very much in demand by those peeps fixing the bikes. Indeed, I looked through one of the biggest UK bike enthusiast's website's extensive bike tinkerers forums, and there wasn't any mention of this job!

[@DSBSB]

You can "go ahead" and keep making these videos - they are well made and very helpful!

[@andrewclaus5908]

I wish I'd looked for this yesterday. I muddled through the same repair, with good results. This would have saved some time. I came with the allen key in the vise idea independently after a couple of fumbles. Great minds think alike...and so do ours. But I didn't think of removing the B-screw. I would count threads rather than measuring. I think the two grooves in the pivot bolt used to have O rings, but it works okay without.

[@bobble500]

Very informative video; thanks for posting this. Have the exact same problem but wasn't sure if the bolt should come out as it's such a tight fit. This has given me the confidence to get stuck in and clean up the pivot bolt - appreciate you taking the time to make this video. Hoping reasembly goes as smoothly.

[@ponland1]

Bike shop told me it very hard to do this and introduced me to change a new one but I refused, that around 1,200 baht(Thailand). Your video is very useful and I can fix it right now. Many thanks.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Cool!

[@RBEmerson]

Thanks! That's a big help in reviving an old Raleigh having a derailleur with the same problem shown in the video.

[@ThermionicScott]

This was super-helpful in putting a swap-meet Tricolor RD back into service. Thanks!

[@MarzNet256]

Thanks. Great technique using the vise. Getting ready to open mine up and fix it-it's quite stiff and will not spring back on it's own. No wonder the rear shifting is so inconsistent.

[@billbill2032]

My bike was shifting poorly and thanks to this video it now shifts like new! Thanks RJ.

[@jimmyseul8693]

v.helpful. I had a totally seized pivot which I had to knock out with a hammer, then after cleaning and greasing I couldn't see how to reassemble correctly and make the spring work- but thanks to you.....success!

[@BicycleMotorpacer]

Exactly what I needed! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

[@edmonton1ful]

great series on deraileurs, look forward to your new videos every time.

[@davec6087]

Thanks for posting that tutorial. I was struggling with an old xt derailleur and your method worked great.

[@paulbeebs8470]

Another brilliant video, RJ. Saved my Claris rear mech from being reborn as a Coke can! Relatively easy job, but attaching the spring was tricky. Many thanks for this.

[@michaeltatham7987]

Great. Thanks for this. Mine (Shimano 105 6800) was even stiffer than this one after only 1 year's riding (but it was all weather on Scottish roads). I probably would have got it apart myself, but never back together. Seemed such a waste to buy a new one, when the old one has so much life left in it. BTW, I think I hastened my own problem by oiling some of this stuff early in its life.

[@choddo]

Very helpful video this, thanks. I had a similarly stuck bolt (not quite as bad) and had to take a hammer to it. I managed to re-mount the spring without the quite clever hexkey in a vice trick though, was possible by hand.

[@davephyllosc625]

Excellent video, really helpful. Thanks for sharing

[@mattmcc774]

This is exactly what I needed to know! Thanks for sharing and keep up the good work

[@ifffopfmn]

Thank you! I have this exact same problem on a deore derailleur I bought for nothing in a parts bin

[@stuntmatt7124]

Stuntmatt 0 seconds ago Super Helpful, Thanks ! So do you think there is some bi-metalic bonding going on, the metal pivot bolt is rusting to the aluminum body of the derailleur ?

[@WasabiBunny]

This was really helpful, thanks for posting!

[@velolocation6461]

great informational video, thanks for posting

[@Tw0sheds]

Thanks so much. Very very helpful and easy to follow!

[@pattskatoey3139]

Just what I was looking for.I have a campagnolo vintage rear derailleur and the pivot bolt needs replacing.

[@jphailes1]

Nice. Exactly what i was looking for. Will be doing this tomorrow.

[@QiW]

thanks for the video .. was looking at b screw assembly chart from shimano .. apparently there are 3 pits on the main axle screw .. 1 for the C clip .. 1 has what looks like a rubber O ring and the last one is empty ( prolly lube reservoir as u mentioned) in your video i see that the O ring is missing when u assembled it back together .. do u foresee any issues without that rubber O ring ??

[@buggs9950]

Thank you. I missed the vital keep-track-of-how-it-came-apart stage..

[@qwertyazerty2137]

Hey RJ, you're an absolute master. I got a 30-year old Shimano RD-1050. I noticed a small play between the derailleur bushing and the pivot bolt. I am gonna try tommorow to disassemble it the way you did it but I am not sure if cleaning and greasing will solve the problem. I am afaid that either the bolt or bushing just got worn out though friction in one or another point and the hole part applies for scrap only...

[@qwertyazerty2137]

and another thing. Can use an usual bearing grease to lube everything inside ?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I wouldn't use it on the pulleys or anything plastic.

[@qwertyazerty2137]

RJ The Bike Guy Ok. I am takling only about the pivot. what about wd 4o or chain oil ?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Wd-40 is not lubricant. You can use grease in the pivot.

[@qwertyazerty2137]

RJ The Bike Guy right thanks. we'll see if this old machinery can be saved

[@onlymeok]

Mine was way worse after two winters and I have to wonder if it ever had any grease in there to begin with. Needed to use heat to get the bolt out and several minutes of using the Dremel cleaning and polishing attachment. Surprisingly the spring was rust free.

[@jonienglish3231]

Very good instructor

[@dozzy000]

Another Great video! Would you happen to have one showing the same process but for an acera shadow? Rear derailleur? Thanks.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

No, but it might be similar.

[@beickus]

hi i have an old suntour derailleur on a velosolex and the tuning near the end of the cable screw seems stuck - have you got any suggestions?

[@ytyehyeh]

Nice video, thanks! Just wondering if there's a cure for the opposite-ish problem, i.e. the derailleur body exhibits lateral slop/play at the pivot bolt as if the RD were fastened loosely to the hanger, but it is tight there. From what I've read/seen including Park Tool's RD overhaul video, the suggestion is that this type of problem indicates wear or deformation that cannot be repaired. I'm seeing enough lateral play there such that if I'm climbing a steep hill in the small-big combo, I sometimes hear a tick noise indicating spokes contacting the RD. I've got the limit screw setup so that contact cannot happen in the stand, but I assume some combo of wheel and/or frame flex under heavy load on top of the RD pivot lateral play is letting the contact happen.

[@peteshadbolt3042]

Amazing video, saved my LX deore mech from the grave

[@danielnagy9717]

Thank you for having a solution for every issue we have. By the way, why is it worth for you to spend hours to repair such not so expensive parts?

[@mantroid]

Hey, that's my derailleur, still working great after 19 years!

[@gafynowen558]

Great vid bud, cheers

[@greg_loper]

Was the small screw that you put in about 3mm the B tension screw?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+Greg Loper Yes.

[@greg_loper]

:)

[@Triplex5014]

My Acera RD-M360 has some free play in the pivot bolt, 3 years of use. Shifting is ok but it's not crisp. Is it repairable or it's time to get a new derailleur?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Not sure. Might just be loose.

[@dominiclee1643]

Do you have a video demoing a fix for a frozen front derailleur?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

+Dominic Lee No. Just spray the heck out of it with penetration oil and after letting it set for a bit, try to get it to move a little bit and then more.Keep working it until it loosens up.

[@johnjohannemann536]

Why would you reassemble using triflow and not a silicone based water resistant grease?

[@funkybioped]

Question. Trying to upgrade an old road bike for cheap. Can I use a sacrificial mountain bike as a parts bike?? Would the derailleurs work, crank? I already have a bottom bracket on the road bike, could I just steal the spindle and crank set?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Yeah, no, maybe. If you are putting a triple crank on a bottom bracket sized for a double, the small ring may rub on the frame. Or the chain might be messed up. The derailleurs may work...or not. There are a lot of variables and I have no idea of the parts you have. Play with it and see what you can do.

[@tonyconnors1342]

Very helpful thanks.

[@cippel69]

Great ! Well done! Thank You !

[@johnplink]

The video is very informative, but my problem is that the other pivot sometimes gets stuck when it is moved to its extreme position, and then when I shift to the small chainring and a small cog the chain goes slack and often drops. I know that because I was able to create the problem by moving the other pivot until it got stuck. When that pivot was stuck the mounting pivot was still free. What can I do to prevent the other pivot from getting stuck? Do you have a video dealing with that?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Take it apart, clean it and lube it maybe. This video MIGHT help. Depends on the derailleur. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6S9hGdvf9KLgZI

[@johnplink]

Thank you, RJ. I'll take a look. The derailleur is a Dura Ace RD-7402.

[@hellopsp180]

Amazing thank you so much

[@rantanplan7474]

Bike shops won't even for a split second consider making those kind of repairs they're way too busy and it's quite frankly sad. Makes me wanna open my own shop someday.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Then you will have to learn. Mechanics time costs money. The cost for a mechanic to fix something like this might cost as much or more than a new part.

[@rantanplan7474]

@@RJTheBikeGuy I understand but some derailleurs cost over a 100$ and I can imagine with experience such a job could take under 30min so it could be worth it.

[@rantanplan7474]

But when demand is 10x higher than supply in terms of maintenance work time than it is understandable that bike shops are unwilling to do it. It's just sad imo.

[@Sam3532]

Mine is only stiff when tightened on the hanger..? Fully disassembled, cleaned, greased and re-assembled - the b-screw and plate are nice and springy until it’s tightened onto the hanger.. and then it stays forward and doesn’t spring back down

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Can't tell you without working on it.

[@choddo]

Awesome video. Thanks. Albeit ... it seems I need to install a vice. (LOL - I just noticed I already commented on this video 2 years ago ... that is scarey, I don't even remember that)

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

LOL

[@thomasmoran1799]

very clever

[@johnvincerecla944]

What is the name of the clip?

[@tomasrazanauskas6283]

what to do if mine seems loose? it seems to cause poorshifting between 6-7-8 gears

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Make sure it's tightened into the hanger. If that's not the issue, it may be worn out. Replace the derialleur.

[@harmoneelanado5400]

My Derailleur long cage is so bouncy, everytime i bunny hop, i feel my long cage wanna give up, any solution? Or is it just normal?(My derailleur dont have clutch) Need help

[@justw4lkbesideme]

Thx sir

[@OjStudios]

Never seen so stuck mounting pivot. Usually some sprayed oil helps.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I have never seen one this bad either. But other stuff on this bike is pretty bad too.

[@OjStudios]

shyflirt1 I can only imagine. Have a nice time with it then! :D

[@romeoandal_]

Thx!

[@justinecaumeran4034]

this part of the rd is so hard to put back

[@mladenbanjanin9514]

Can you tell me the name of that plate that comes on spring, in which the screw is ? I need only that part and it is very hard to find it. Thank you

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Can't tell you. It will probably be near impossible to find replacement parts.

[@dd-vy1md]

If it's Shimano there is a "Derailleur B-Axle Assembly" rebuild kit that includes that part for about $20 : www.ebay.com/sch/Derailleurs-Rear/177813/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=derailleur+b-axle+assembly

[@dimitriapproved]

Makes you wonder the purpose of the two grooves @ 5:32 ;)

[@terryfs02]

DiMiTRiOneAndOnlyPAT Potentially as a grease reservoir

[@hellopsp180]

i tried this and couldnt get it sorted still :(

[@Dilengerman1]

I love watching your videos some of the other how to bicycle gurus, do not go into vivid visual detail like you do. Please keep sharing your knowledge with us.

[@tonyconnors1342]

Very helpful thank you.