 You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
We've had a couple of occasions where on the lads primary race GT Fury the rear mech has got sticky. Defining sticky a bit more it seems to lock position too far forwards I think, leaving no tension on the chain, I give it a quick poke and push and it springs back into correct tension.
I thought it was just some weird thing in the frost a month ago, but it's happened twice now since, including today.
Happily it's not caused any issues and we have a spare mech I can fit anyway.
But thought I'd ask if there's something simple I can clean, sort, etc.
I'd probably check the exploded view (EV) for your specific model on Shimano's Techdoc site, to see what you're able to take apart, clean, and re-lube. At one time, you could virtually strip the high-end mech's completely, but some of the more modern one's aren't so clever for maintainence.
Sounds like clutch is sticky. Is it any different with the clutch on or off? You can take the clutch cover off and lube / strip it down (careful where everything went) which may help a bit.
I had similar on my previous deore and slx 10 speed mechs and the only reliable fix I could come up with was move to 12 speed!
This might help.?
Ive had the exact symptoms you’ve described (12 speed mech though)
Is it any different with the clutch on or off?
Hard to say as it's not easily repeatable.
Definitely sounds like the clutch. I had to do my Shimano one last week. Whip the mech off. Three little socket screws to take the cover off. Remove the stopper and unwind the clutch spring allen key to undo the clutch shaft, pop it off, clean and lube and "installation is the reverse of removal."
It's not a hard job but is rewarding, costs nothing to do and is a recommended service, hence it appears in the tech manuals.
One thing to watch for when you pull it apart is to check where the clutch spring connects to the derailleur cage. The 11 speed cage has two holes. One of them is not the right hole. I now know that if you use that one you get the same symptoms as a sticking clutch.
I've got a spare mech here, so will fit that and then i'll have a bit more time to get that one serviced on the bench. I don't suspect it's a long job, but if it goes wrong, i like knowing the bike is still running and ready.
Thanks for all the tips guys... i'll get on the case this week hopefully. Bit of a busy week but should be OK.