Servicing A Shimano Mech In Real Time | Mountain Bike Derailleur Service

[@chikamichi]

People please note that when Doddy reveals the internal parts, the adjuster (left part of the two-parts clutch assembly, featuring the tension adjusting screw) appears mounted backwards. It is an asymetrical piece, with kind of a holed "plate" on one side, which must align and sit on a plastic recess in the clutch casing. That prevents the adjuster from moving laterally when fiddling with the tension lever, and allegedly makes for a better operation. When mounted backwards, one should not be able to close the casing… unless forcing, which appears to have been the case here, and would lead to improper sealing, premature wear (it’s a plastic casing) or even damaging/breaking the clutch assembly itself. Doddy eventually mounts the adjuster the correct way, although he probably had not noticed the issue ;)

[@wirenut3020]

Good catch!

[@Wavehead1773]

Ordinarily I wouldn't dream of disassembling my mech but after seeing this I feel confident enough to tackle it. Great clear and easy to follow video cheers Doddy

[@noway2670]

Thank you so much! I made full service of my Deore XT derailleur and now it’s work like a new! One of the greatest manual channel!

[@MalejKuba]

My Shimano XT cage lost it's tension and thus my chain was just hanging loose. Thanks to this guide, I was able to disassemble, clean, grease and assemble back the whole derailleur. Easy to follow instructions, good camera angle and explanation! Thanks a lot! One note though: As someone already pointed out, pay attention to the left part of the clutch assembly when putting back together. It needs to be oriented correctly - on my first go, it was wrong, but the casing could totally be closed without gaps, so I hadn't noticed. But then the cage always had a little friction, and the clutch lever didn't work. The small round piece mentioned earlier needed to be rotated 180° on the lever pin, and now it works perfectly.

[@Dorkbike]

Thanks Doddy, I'm confident in doing this myself. I've found that using a toothbrush with cleaner works well for removing gunk from small pockets, just like a dentist. I also like the elevator music and detailed shots.

[@HoloScope]

You called him what?

[@isaacbrinklow6971]

12:25 'Trusty rag' why is everything trusty Doddy?😆

[@incinerati]

Looks like he's a genuinely trusty guy. :)

[@rupedog]

Its better than the unreliable, untrustworthy versions!!

[@Metal-Possum]

Because the best workmen use the best tools.

[@teemu3370]

Well he has the trusty linkage fork also

[@trwilliams22]

I’ve had some shady rags in my day. I try to rid myself of them and only surround myself with trusty rags.

[@Rudy77212]

Doddy I love this Videos. It's pure Therapie. I watched it even though my xt derailleur is brand new ;)

[@Mr.ZiggedWhenHeShouldaZagged]

Same to this lol, I haven't even mounted it on my bike yet

[@TheMartinchostar]

Excellent detailed step by step guide for servicing Simano rear derailleur! Brilliant!

[@patrickvanderknaap2332]

found this video as I was searching how to fix the derailleur as I had shifting issues. Followed your instructions and fixed the shifting issues :-) Saved me some Euros buying a new one, Thanks !

[@Johnny5rlx]

Thank you, this gave me the confidence to open up mine to see how I can do some maintenance. I now learned the spring is deformed and there is quite some rust in there. Though I'm not sure what, all together some wear and tear makes it stops being a spring in favor of being a static piece of metal, leaving my chain hang loose. I learned a lot though and now I know how to maintenance this and make the next one last much longer.

[@alumal]

A Shimano’s recommendation is to grease the ring seal of the clutch cover 👍 There this information in the service manual.

[@wmkm7144]

Very helpful. The pulley wheels appear to be the wrong way around after the service though. The ones on the bike at 0:35 are oriented correctly, at 26:29 (or 18:49) they are the wrong way around. Be careful when following along to put them back on correctly.

[@renaudgagnon9645]

After having the same questioning, the arrows on pulley wheels are correct with what is said in this video.. which goes against any images of the assembled pulleys found on the internet.

[@petersharkey5510]

Brilliant tutorial as ever Doddy

[@marvinator79]

It would be nice if you guys did one for SRAM mechs as well since some bikes run SRAM running gear. Keep up the great videos too.

[@wolfgangfaber6168]

DANKE DODDY! An admirer from Germany...

[@ridemore54]

That was awesome. My derailleur works again!

[@mtbmadman187]

Mine is way worse! Cleaned my cassette and crank etc. But was a bit worried about taking it apart as I am a rank novice at this lark. Giving me some confidence over the last few weeks though. Thank you so much for saving me from my local halfords and their devastating charges for simple maintenance. Much love

[@GHinWI]

It’s like the mountain bike version of watching a Bob Ross video. Well done Doddy!

[@tonyhruzek4250]

Thanks Doddy, the only part I didn't understand before watching this was the spring/pin orientation. Great help!

[@TimMillernapavalleyfilmworks]

I'm so impressed with this tutorial, Doddy is so ocd and so next level😩

[@vinny61389]

Super helpful video, my buddies derailleur wouldn't take up any slack in the chain. Cleaning up the clutch (drum?) and related parts makes it work like new. Saved him a good chunk of change. Thanks for the in depth teardown!

[@josephmacmillan613]

Why am I watching this I have a sram.

[@KLOCEKMINECRAFT13]

And hoping to see unservicible type 3 clutch being serviced? Yee...same

[@stanley3647]

@@KLOCEKMINECRAFT13 I'm still at 6 year old X0 model "non clutch version" :D Modified with BBB 12/14T jockey wheels. And "goat link". Works like a dream with 11-42T casette (single speed at front). I see no rason to upgrade.

[@mathiaswolffcasanova6366]

Yeah, same…

[@hessajee]

It's interesting from a technical point of view. I watched it over brunch. If there are no SRAM videos, then this video might give an idea of how to service one. Although one needs to be aware that they are different manufacturers and so they may need to serviced differently. So perhaps a bit of reverse engineering using this video. ☺️

[@alanfrye2706]

Kerosene in a parts washer is by far the best option for cleaning. Toothbrush also comes in handy

[@mtbrider8286]

An old tooth brush works really well to clean the jockey wheels too. Great video, very detailed for those new to doing their own maintenance.

[@cartoonmoses]

Very helpful video. I actually have this exact derailleur problem. Thanks for doing what you do! Doddy have you done a video talking about the different types of bicycle grease and where they’re used? If not, maybe in the future?

[@TomCollins-c4h]

Thank you so much! I lost that c clip and didint know what it was for, glad you brought up that information very helpful.

[@colinlist690]

Brilliant guide, i was trying to swap parts over from two broken mechs but got stuck on the spring cluth part. Now feeling like i could do it blindfolded

[@alessandrocolombo6060]

Hi Doddy! It’s been long time since I’ve started to follow you! I think you love your job that’s why i think that you are a very good mechanic and a good mtb rider! I can understand you very well but english isn’t my mother tongue so i have to listen carefully to you because you talk very fast! I love riding my mtb i’ve bought my first one in 1992...i am 48...i am Italian and i live in Milan...thanks to all of you!!!

[@raymundregidor9258]

I encounter an "issue". And as usual, you guys have it covered. Awesome videos like this make life so much easier. Cheers.

[@felixthecatinthehat]

Thanks for posting this. I’m about to tackle a resto on my 30 year old mb. Get it back to top shape.

[@jeffpridmore8624]

I was hoping for more detail about cleaning the four pivot pins in the parallel linkage arms. I've had to remove mine in the past to straighten them, but I certainly cleaned and greased them while they were out. Are they not normally a serviceable item?

[@rainerwahnsinn9672]

yeah, i was thinking the same. how to clean/regrease parallelogram correctly?

[@charlied3732]

Fantastic video, content detail, image and sound quality and dialogue. All this takes a lot of effort and the results are well worth it but often taken for granted. Would love a similar vid on the SRAM as mentioned previously. Also, what about the four parallelogram pivots, what to do with those? Thanks again!!

[@jozeftomaga2245]

Thanks Doddy for the instructions . It works and shifts like new

[@arhu74]

thanks, I thought my rear derailleur or at least that spring was broken for sure but it turned out that during transport the spring had somehow managed to unspring in spite of the locking bolt still in place

[@teemu3370]

The clutch might be more finesse than what I am used to at work, but actually you can oil etc them and it will still work

[@sweeball]

Thanks Doddy! Excellent in depth servicing tutorial. More of these please.

[@rotattor]

Way less complex than I thought, but not for beginners. I have an engineering and fabrication background , I noticed many mechanics don't use compressed air to aid in cleaning and assembly, I guess it's a new school of thought for safety reasons ? I use 60 psi most of the time, I have also seen soda blasting and dry ice blasting as supposed to using harmful chemicals but not so much on smaller more complex parts. Excellent tutorial, thanks.

[@penhughes632]

Why when the clutch cover is taken off is the silver cam holder installed the wrong way and when it is reinstalled it is put back the right way ?

[@martinfahrni5677]

Thank you, I learn so much when I come visit your channel. Good job, keep on inspiring us.

[@Grimmi112]

Thanks for your professional guidance. Are there big differences to SRAM derailleurs? Please more of such instructions. Greetings Manuel

[@cyclopath1000]

Doddy I just did clutch service in the video. The sprague bearing didn't want to just slip on anywheres but seemed to prefer some.atjer section of the inner post. Took forever to get it seated but once on I find that yes the clutch isn't grabbing and then with excess effort breaking free. This was an 11 speed long can&e m8000 sgs. Next I need to to my 12 speed xtr which looks exactly the same as predicted. Used the special Shimano coaster brake grease. When I tore down the 11 speed the inner sprague and it's mount WAS lubed . I dried it off and regressed the outside as.direcres.and.it seems a.world.of.difference.

[@johnurtu7844]

Great Info. Complete info and understanding of how the derailleur works. Thanks

[@slimdog72]

Lots of people have mentioned it before and you have hinted at it. Some service and set up vids on vintage parts.

[@mechdiff]

Well done Doddy. Great walk-through on the whole process.

[@johncarrington8612]

Not covered is adjusting the tension on the clutch. Park tool or Syd and Mackey have good videos on how to do that step.

[@shaunmarston7168]

I miss you from embn your knowledge is very good top man

[@rupedog]

Loctite mounting bolts...Had a derailleur mounting bolt work loose ...gear index kept changing, I kept adjusting for a while until I checked the mech...was held on by a thread.

[@janvanrookhuijzen8309]

Great how to! Can you do a full how to fully service a mtb front fork?

[@lighty9036]

Nevermind the derailer help me with the hub. I would like to think I look after mine but I can't get them smooth. I have put new bearings in as well. Giant tracker boost 141.😫

[@tonymcnally9355]

New wheel or warranty replacement possibly unfortunately. Heard a couple of people having issues with giant wheels. You can buy a boost 148 wheel and install qr adapators for boost 141

[@lighty9036]

@@tonymcnally9355 it is a boost 141. 11 month old commuter. I replaced bearings and used plenty of grease a high end grease from work

[@lighty9036]

Had to upgrade the head set as well because giant use a 1-5 inch lower bearing you can't buy.😈

[@tonymcnally9355]

@@lighty9036 sometimes the cones can be badly pitted so that when you service the hubs its still noisy. Your probably best upgrading

[@dougse-bike9770]

Too tight on the cones can make them feel notchy. pitted cup or cone races can as well. There's no easy fix for pitted cups but pitted cones can sometimes be fixed with a round dowel, sandpaper, and a drill motor. I recommend taking it to a competent shop.

[@francisdee9955]

this is so relaxing

[@yvan2218]

Thanks doddy, i accidentally pressure washed the derailleur today so this is in the top of the list to fix

[@dougse-bike9770]

This is the kind of tech I subscribe for.

[@TheShamwari]

Very very good video. my bike must be about 10 yrs old and the Shimano has no clutch and seems a lot less sbstantial , no seals on the jocky wheels and their cage seems bent, it is composed of two pressed steel legs ? The bike is a Raleigh .

[@junshi2570]

wow，keep making this series video，this is a great demonstration

[@seanda2021]

Success! Thank you for the detailed video.

[@Metal-Possum]

I suggest flushing the bearings with that brake cleaner, get any grit out of it, then blow it out with a compressor and add your grease afterwards. :)

[@Mickyrst43]

I was going to post the same thing!!! You can even seen the dirt in the clean grease as it comes out the back of the jockey wheels!!! A nice grinding paste there to wear out the bearings twice as quickly!!

[@senanryan8476]

Thanks dody

[@post-mastersodium3136]

Nice info! You gonna make a sram one too? I don't think the clutch is serviceable on a sram, but I have both, so this is still good stuff!

[@jamesmcfadden9757]

Great video! Reminds me of Edd China from his wheeler dealer days! Especially with the gloves!

[@noahransom768]

Fantastic video Doddy

[@aaronturner3656]

Riding in Oregon winters is roughy on these mechs, and there have been issues with Shimano’s new line of mechs not being properly lubricated. To seal the clutch box area I put some grease around the seal and also in the clutch adjustment port for extra insurance. This also really helps if you spray your mech with water to clean.

[@kevinvandeventer8690]

I feel like a the seal does is hold moisture in. Cause it damn sure doesn't keep it out.

[@wirenut3020]

Maybe put some thick dielectric grease on the seal and mating parts? It’s very thick and will keep water out if not sprayed under pressure

[@johncarrington8612]

I think that water gets in from the backside of the mech where the spring is attached, there is a little hole there.

[@clintontsmith6353]

Hello Doddy any chance of doing a break down service and your opinion of a Shimano Microspline. PS I love the show and have learnt lots of tips from you, thank you. I'm known as the tinkerer. I pull everything apart just to learn how things work I love it.....

[@EricBerghen]

Wow !! Impressive detailed video, not sure I will do it right away but very interesting still :-) Thank you Doddy !!

[@cs8sz]

Really helpful million thanks! Make sure you put the rubber gadget back I made this mistake!

[@danjdavison]

I love these videos. Keep it up Doddy!

[@rpaxton443]

I wish I had your workshop and tools!

[@overexposurevideo]

very good video, its amazing how must dirt I collected inside that clutch housing after just 6 months. Even my roller bearings inside the clutch where stuck as was my derailleur as it wasn't moving back no more ! thnx

[@MarcJB365]

Doddy is the Bob Ross of mountian bike servicing videos.

[@Sibert_]

@GMBN Tech You know this question is coming, but could you do a mech service vid for SRAM mechs as well? :p

[@cat_glove]

Heresy!

[@ianwagner2628]

great video... has helped a lot. I would love some more hacks etc to fix corroded clutches, right now with supply chain shortages where I am (canada) it is impossible to get a clutch kit... most shops can't even get a derailleur :( Right now I am sanding down the internal clutch post hoping to get this thing back functional.

[@chrisbraun72]

I was looking forward to watching the setting up of the recommended clutch tension using a torque wrench on the cage....What happened?? How come no one does that demo?

[@mattgies]

Yeah, this was a great video except no mention of actually adjusting the clutch.

[@edgarstudillo5649]

@@mattgiesjust tighten or loosen the clutch screw to your preference

[@davidpayne8413]

Doddy how naughty @ 11:10 I know we live in a throwaway society but a biker surely not, it's so simple to strip and re grease the jockey wheels, some of are not sponsored or have huge incomes.

[@ChrisKim-eo9ku]

I have the same rear mech, and mine has a bit of green grease on the parallelogram. What purpose does that serve?

[@KLOCEKMINECRAFT13]

other than attracting dust? I have no idea why someone/something put that much there

[@tipsntricks1477]

can you do about fixing shifter indicator not working in shimano 12s

[@flexjay87]

Good tutorial, job well done.

[@sekc-chua]

Thank you for this. Learned a lot.

[@syntrax-og]

Awesome! Can you next do one from Sram Eagle? Gx or better!

[@melvinjose0707]

Could you do a full service of sram mech please???

[@aleksi3899]

This here is a perfect video.

[@lwittrock1]

Excellent video!!

[@iljafirmovas2654]

Thank you so much, now i know how to service my deraulier :)

[@ftrujillomunizaga]

Great video, I'm having an issue with the clutch on my XT mech. It doesn't seem to add any tension at all when it's engaged. Should I do the whole service on it or is there a way to add tension so it actually works and hold my mech on the rough dh's. Cheers!

[@cameronmclennan578]

I'm sure you've solved it now, but when you flick the lever, if it's not adding any tension, try turning the lever off, adding half a turn at a time of adjustment (clockwise) then flipping the lever across again. You should feel some resistance when you flip the lever over, it runs on a little cam system. Just do little bits at a time and you'll be sorted.

[@Alltkringcykling]

Verry good video as always. Thank you.

[@khrispanter708]

So, can you grease the inside of the clutch? It wasn't clear.

[@Alltkringcykling]

:-)

[@307.William]

If you’ve done this before and did put grease on the roller bearings where you’re not supposed to, do you need to replace the clutch

[@mikebyrnes5515]

Great presentation. Thanks

[@corvus400]

That shimano grease is good one!

[@DJNappa]

I was hoping to find the link for the green bearing grease and gun but no joy. Would anyone have a link please as I'm all searched out lol

[@sebAstian-xp3kw]

Hey i have 2-3mm play in my clutch when its "on". It happened today on my xtr derailer with ca 3500km... when i turn the clutch off there is less play but its to lose for the chain tension 😱 what can i do?

[@adrian2057]

Me to. Any solution?

[@sebAstian-xp3kw]

@@adrian2057 it was the clutch, i had to remove rust and regrease it and then it was like new 😺✌️

[@MTBstuart]

Invaluable as always doddy! My only complaint and i know its a hard habit to break is Allen is a brand, they are hex keys and hex bolts 👀😂 unless you have allen branded keys of course

[@wirenut3020]

🙄

[@paulbryanmgado6733]

23:42 how did you put that clutch, mine is being stuck if i put them together, how?????

[@jakepaddyfield4767]

nice video tutorial. No torque settings?

[@arnsberg1975]

Really well done. Thanks.

[@JJ_MTB_15]

The bolt that you’re not supposed to grease one end, is that “fixed” on the newer GX deraileurrs? Mine doesnt come out and appeared to be press fit in there so it’s not removable. This stinks because mines squeaking and theres no way to grease it

[@bggreg3717]

Is there any reason why you wouldn't always leave the clutch derailer on in the on position?

[@Brad-99]

Well done 👍 very helpful 🙏✌️

[@TivonSanders]

Question: if the pulley cage has play in it while moving it with one hand and while holding the body with another, does that indicate a loose pivot bolt, a symptom of needing a full service, or am I too worried? When I first installed my Deore 10 speed derailleur, there was no play. After a month or so, there's now play.

[@karlcorrz]

this is great vid doddy,

[@tipsntricks1477]

can you do disassemble/assemble on shimano 12s shifters

[@emausderratsuchende5447]

Is it possible to disassemble the parallelogram as before?