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Ultegra shifter problem



 
 
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  #1  
Old April 11th 10, 10:10 PM posted to rec.bicycles.tech,rec.bicycles.misc
gary
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Posts: 6
Default Ultegra shifter problem

i have a problem with my shifter that started at the end of last fall
that i think i know what the problem is but am looking for
confirmation.

bike is about 7 years old with ultegra 6500 shifters.

the issue is with my right shifter (i.e. back cassette) when i shift
into a higher gear (i.e. smaller cog). the shift works ok but when i
eventually want to shift back to a lower gear and swipe the large
lever for the next lowest gear it does not "catch". i have to swipe
the large levere all the way (to the left) before it will catch and i
can feel resistance on the shifter. at that point i can hit the
shifter to shift to the next lowest gear. i'm guessing (hoping) that
it is just cable slack that i can adjust.

does this sound just like the cable has to be tighten (?) by adjusting
the knob near the rear derailleur?

thanks!
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  #2  
Old April 11th 10, 10:34 PM posted to rec.bicycles.tech,rec.bicycles.misc
Bentracer and Bentrider[_2_]
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Posts: 17
Default Ultegra shifter problem

On Apr 11, 4:10*pm, gary wrote:
i have a problem with my shifter that started at the end of last fall
that i think i know what the problem is but am looking for
confirmation.

bike is about 7 years old with ultegra 6500 shifters.

the issue is with my right shifter (i.e. back cassette) when i shift
into a higher gear (i.e. smaller cog). *the shift works ok but when i
eventually want to shift back to a lower gear and swipe the large
lever for the next lowest gear it does not "catch". *i have to swipe
the large levere all the way (to the left) before it will catch and i
can feel resistance on the shifter. *at that point i can hit the
shifter to shift to the next lowest gear. *i'm guessing (hoping) that
it is just cable slack that i can adjust.

does this sound just like the cable has to be tighten (?) by adjusting
the knob near the rear derailleur?

thanks!


the problem you are having is gummed up paws, what you need to do
is,get yourself some WD 40 and flush out the lever where the paws are
and keep working the lever until it catches and lube it more with a
slightly heavier lube.
  #3  
Old April 12th 10, 12:34 AM posted to rec.bicycles.tech,rec.bicycles.misc
Tom Sherman °_°[_2_]
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Posts: 2,312
Default Ultegra shifter problem

On 4/11/2010 4:34 PM, Bentracer and Bentrider posted from Monkey Island:

[...] and lube it more with a slightly heavier lube.


That's what she said.

--
Tom Sherman - 42.435731,-83.985007
  #4  
Old April 12th 10, 05:35 AM posted to rec.bicycles.tech,rec.bicycles.misc
Mike Jacoubowsky
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Posts: 2,972
Default Ultegra shifter problem

"gary" wrote in message
...
i have a problem with my shifter that started at the end of last fall
that i think i know what the problem is but am looking for
confirmation.

bike is about 7 years old with ultegra 6500 shifters.

the issue is with my right shifter (i.e. back cassette) when i shift
into a higher gear (i.e. smaller cog). the shift works ok but when i
eventually want to shift back to a lower gear and swipe the large
lever for the next lowest gear it does not "catch". i have to swipe
the large levere all the way (to the left) before it will catch and i
can feel resistance on the shifter. at that point i can hit the
shifter to shift to the next lowest gear. i'm guessing (hoping) that
it is just cable slack that i can adjust.

does this sound just like the cable has to be tighten (?) by adjusting
the knob near the rear derailleur?

thanks!


Flush it with Powerlube, available at fine auto parts stores everywhere
(well, NAPA anyway!). Amazing stuff; brings back to life far more levers
than WD40 ever did. Sometimes you have to play with it for quite a while
before it starts working again. And some levers just can't be brought
back to life.

In general, the problem seems to come up with bikes that haven't been
used for a while. Very rare to see it on bikes in continuous use.

But it's not a cable adjustment issue.

One other thing to look at is the condition of the cable. If it's
beginning to fray, you will sometimes be able to shift to a larger cog
but not back down to a smaller one. But in that situation, the lever
will still likely "click" when you try to shift to the smaller sprocket.

--Mike-- Chain Reaction Bicycles
www.ChainReactionBicycles.com


  #5  
Old April 12th 10, 10:44 AM posted to rec.bicycles.tech,rec.bicycles.misc
Graham
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 206
Default Ultegra shifter problem


"gary" wrote in message
...
i have a problem with my shifter that started at the end of last fall
that i think i know what the problem is but am looking for
confirmation.

bike is about 7 years old with ultegra 6500 shifters.

the issue is with my right shifter (i.e. back cassette) when i shift
into a higher gear (i.e. smaller cog). the shift works ok but when i
eventually want to shift back to a lower gear and swipe the large
lever for the next lowest gear it does not "catch". i have to swipe
the large levere all the way (to the left) before it will catch and i
can feel resistance on the shifter. at that point i can hit the
shifter to shift to the next lowest gear. i'm guessing (hoping) that
it is just cable slack that i can adjust.

does this sound just like the cable has to be tighten (?) by adjusting
the knob near the rear derailleur?

thanks!


If the advice from others about cleaning and relubing or cable fray does not
work check that the screw on the underside of the lever at the top where the
lever leaves the housing is still there and tight. I had similar symptoms to
yours when that screw on my STI came loose.

Graham.

  #6  
Old April 15th 10, 05:31 PM posted to rec.bicycles.tech,rec.bicycles.misc
gary
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 6
Default Ultegra shifter problem


graham,

can i see this screw normally or do i need to pull back the rubber
shroud (not really sure what the real name is) in order to see it?
hopefully i try to check it out this weekend. if that is not it i'll
the flushing as was mentioned.

if my initial swipe to get it into a lower gear does not "click" then
by swiping the level as far as it goes and then returning and trying
again usually allows the gear change. hopefully it is as simple as
you mentioned.


If the advice from others about cleaning and relubing or cable fray does not
work check that the screw on the underside of the lever at the top where the
lever leaves the housing is still there and tight. I had similar symptoms to
yours when that screw on my STI came loose.

Graham.


  #7  
Old April 15th 10, 05:37 PM posted to rec.bicycles.tech,rec.bicycles.misc
gary
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 6
Default Ultegra shifter problem

On Apr 12, 12:35*am, "Mike Jacoubowsky"
wrote:
"gary" wrote in message

...



i have a problem with my shifter that started at the end of last fall
that i think i know what the problem is but am looking for
confirmation.


bike is about 7 years old with ultegra 6500 shifters.


the issue is with my right shifter (i.e. back cassette) when i shift
into a higher gear (i.e. smaller cog). *the shift works ok but when i
eventually want to shift back to a lower gear and swipe the large
lever for the next lowest gear it does not "catch". *i have to swipe
the large levere all the way (to the left) before it will catch and i
can feel resistance on the shifter. *at that point i can hit the
shifter to shift to the next lowest gear. *i'm guessing (hoping) that
it is just cable slack that i can adjust.


does this sound just like the cable has to be tighten (?) by adjusting
the knob near the rear derailleur?


thanks!


Flush it with Powerlube, available at fine auto parts stores everywhere
(well, NAPA anyway!). Amazing stuff; brings back to life far more levers
than WD40 ever did. Sometimes you have to play with it for quite a while
before it starts working again. And some levers just can't be brought
back to life.

In general, the problem seems to come up with bikes that haven't been
used for a while. Very rare to see it on bikes in continuous use.

But it's not a cable adjustment issue.

One other thing to look at is the condition of the cable. If it's
beginning to fray, you will sometimes be able to shift to a larger cog
but not back down to a smaller one. But in that situation, the lever
will still likely "click" when you try to shift to the smaller sprocket.

--Mike-- * * Chain Reaction Bicycleswww.ChainReactionBicycles.com


mike,

thanks for the reply. the bike is in continuous use at least from
late
april to early october. i'm hoping that it is a "screw issue" that
graham
mentioned. if not i'll try your Powerlube suggestion.

i'm hoping the the lever can "be brought back to life". shifters
aren't
exactly cheap!! :) :)

as far the cable condition it only happens shifting using the big
lever
(going into a lower gear, bigger cog). i have no problem shifting to
a higher gear via the smaller lever.
  #8  
Old April 16th 10, 05:59 AM posted to rec.bicycles.tech,rec.bicycles.misc
Kerry Montgomery
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 676
Default Ultegra shifter problem


"gary" wrote in message
...

graham,

can i see this screw normally or do i need to pull back the rubber
shroud (not really sure what the real name is) in order to see it?
hopefully i try to check it out this weekend. if that is not it i'll
the flushing as was mentioned.

if my initial swipe to get it into a lower gear does not "click" then
by swiping the level as far as it goes and then returning and trying
again usually allows the gear change. hopefully it is as simple as
you mentioned.


If the advice from others about cleaning and relubing or cable fray does
not
work check that the screw on the underside of the lever at the top where
the
lever leaves the housing is still there and tight. I had similar symptoms
to
yours when that screw on my STI came loose.

Graham.


Graham,
Thank you very much for the advice! My early Ultegra STI right shifter
behaves similarly to what gary described. I've sprayed it heavily with Power
Lube, replaced the cable, and replaced housing, none of which fixed it.
Looking at my lever shows that screw to be _gone_. Off to find a replacement
screw, with high hopes.

gary,
Will try to describe where the screw is that Graham spoke about. You can see
the screw (or where it should be) without pulling back the rubber hood. With
the bike resting on it's tires, look up under the lever from the rear, in
the area where the small lever pivots. The order of pieces, from the front
of the bike, is: large lever, small lever, small plate (kind of "P" shaped).
There should be a screw that goes through a hole in the small plate into a
threaded hole in the large lever. My early Ultegra lever (the left side one,
that still has a screw) has what looks like an ordinary round-headed screw.
Also have a much later set of Ultegra levers, they have screws with
hexagonal outlines, and there's a thin metal locking device with tabs bent
inward against the sides of the hexagon, looking to prevent the screws from
loosening.
Good luck,
Kerry


  #9  
Old April 16th 10, 05:53 PM posted to rec.bicycles.tech,rec.bicycles.misc
bfd
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 487
Default Ultegra shifter problem

On Apr 15, 9:59*pm, "Kerry Montgomery" wrote:
"gary" wrote in message

...



graham,


can i see this screw normally or do i need to pull back the rubber
shroud (not really sure what the real name is) in order to see it?
hopefully i try to check it out this weekend. *if that is not it i'll
the flushing as was mentioned.


if my initial swipe to get it into a lower gear does not "click" then
by swiping the level as far as it goes and then returning and trying
again usually allows the gear change. *hopefully it is as simple as
you mentioned.


If the advice from others about cleaning and relubing or cable fray does
not
work check that the screw on the underside of the lever at the top where
the
lever leaves the housing is still there and tight. I had similar symptoms
to
yours when that screw on my STI came loose.


Graham.


Graham,
Thank you very much for the advice! My early Ultegra STI right shifter
behaves similarly to what gary described. I've sprayed it heavily with Power
Lube, replaced the cable, and replaced housing, none of which fixed it.
Looking at my lever shows that screw to be _gone_. Off to find a replacement
screw, with high hopes.

gary,
Will try to describe where the screw is that Graham spoke about. You can see
the screw (or where it should be) without pulling back the rubber hood. With
the bike resting on it's tires, look up under the lever from the rear, in
the area where the small lever pivots. The order of pieces, from the front
of the bike, is: large lever, small lever, small plate (kind of "P" shaped).
There should be a screw that goes through a hole in the small plate into a
threaded hole in the large lever. My early Ultegra lever (the left side one,
that still has a screw) has what looks like an ordinary round-headed screw.
Also have a much later set of Ultegra levers, they have screws with
hexagonal outlines, and there's a thin metal locking device with tabs bent
inward against the sides of the hexagon, looking to prevent the screws from
loosening.
Good luck,
Kerry


All,
If you need to disassemble your STI lever, there is a website where a
guy disassembled and reassembled both a DA AND Ultegra STI lever.
Looks alot more complex than Campy, but do-able. Probably the hardest
part is finding small parts as Shimano doesn't sell them. Good Luck

link: http://www.norvil.net/pedal/service/...ti/removal.php

DA link: http://www.norvil.net/pedal/service/...9sti/strip.php

Ultegra link: http://www.norvil.net/pedal/service/...9sti/strip.php
  #10  
Old April 17th 10, 02:36 AM posted to rec.bicycles.tech,rec.bicycles.misc
Kerry Montgomery
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 676
Default Ultegra shifter problem

bfd wrote:
On Apr 15, 9:59 pm, "Kerry Montgomery" wrote:
"gary" wrote in message

...



graham,


can i see this screw normally or do i need to pull back the rubber
shroud (not really sure what the real name is) in order to see it?
hopefully i try to check it out this weekend. if that is not it i'll
the flushing as was mentioned.


if my initial swipe to get it into a lower gear does not "click"
then by swiping the level as far as it goes and then returning and
trying again usually allows the gear change. hopefully it is as
simple as you mentioned.


If the advice from others about cleaning and relubing or cable
fray does not
work check that the screw on the underside of the lever at the top
where the
lever leaves the housing is still there and tight. I had similar
symptoms to
yours when that screw on my STI came loose.


Graham.


Graham,
Thank you very much for the advice! My early Ultegra STI right
shifter behaves similarly to what gary described. I've sprayed it
heavily with Power Lube, replaced the cable, and replaced housing,
none of which fixed it. Looking at my lever shows that screw to be
_gone_. Off to find a replacement screw, with high hopes.

gary,
Will try to describe where the screw is that Graham spoke about. You
can see the screw (or where it should be) without pulling back the
rubber hood. With the bike resting on it's tires, look up under the
lever from the rear, in the area where the small lever pivots. The
order of pieces, from the front of the bike, is: large lever, small
lever, small plate (kind of "P" shaped). There should be a screw
that goes through a hole in the small plate into a threaded hole in
the large lever. My early Ultegra lever (the left side one, that
still has a screw) has what looks like an ordinary round-headed
screw. Also have a much later set of Ultegra levers, they have
screws with hexagonal outlines, and there's a thin metal locking
device with tabs bent inward against the sides of the hexagon,
looking to prevent the screws from loosening.
Good luck,
Kerry


All,
If you need to disassemble your STI lever, there is a website where a
guy disassembled and reassembled both a DA AND Ultegra STI lever.
Looks alot more complex than Campy, but do-able. Probably the hardest
part is finding small parts as Shimano doesn't sell them. Good Luck

link: http://www.norvil.net/pedal/service/...ti/removal.php

DA link:
http://www.norvil.net/pedal/service/...9sti/strip.php

Ultegra link:
http://www.norvil.net/pedal/service/...9sti/strip.php


bfd,
Thanks for the links. This particular repair doesn't require any
disassembly, thankfully.
Did get a replacement screw, but it didn't come from Shimano. Took the
matching one to River City Bicycles here in Portland - after several minutes
of not finding the correct part, the mechanic found a correct thread,
correct head, incorrect length screw, ground it to the right length, gave it
to me, and wouldn't take any money for his trouble!
Continuing to be a fan of LBSs,
Kerry


 




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