Repalcing Jockey wheels

Neil Smith said:

is replacing jockey wheels in rear mechs a good idea. I have done it
before and the mech has sprung apart - a little inconvenient.

If the jockey wheels in a mech are worn out (and this does happen over
time) then replacing them is not only a good idea, but is essential.

It's not a difficult job, but I suppose it could be a but tricky if
you're not used to that sort of thing. The mechanism is generally
quite simple, one bolt for each wheel, and then some kind of bushing
arrangement within each. Many replacement jockey wheel sets have
specific top and bottom wheels, so take note of any accompanying
directions.

If you're going to tackle the job and are unsure, post here again and
I'm sure detailed advice will be forthcoming.

"Bob"
--

Email address is spam trapped, to reply directly remove the beverage.

Neil Smith said:

Dear All,
is replacing jockey wheels in rear mechs a good idea. I have
done it before and the mech has sprung apart - a little inconvenient.

Should be a doddle to do it - I take them out fairly regularly when cleaning
the bike thoroughly (say once a year on the road bikes). Note that most
jockey wheels do not need lubrication, they run on dry bushes.

On most mechs, the lower wheel has bolt on outside of mech, the upper has
bolt accessible on inside (ie. through wheel spokes). So long as chain is
threaded back correctly, there isn't much to go wrong.

Helps if the chain is slack - put the bike in the lowest gear, or take chain
off front chainwheel.

- Nigel

--
Nigel Cliffe,
Webmaster at http://www.2mm.org.uk/

On Sun, 21 May 2006 20:10:30 +0100, "Nigel Cliffe" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

Note that most
jockey wheels do not need lubrication, they run on dry bushes.

Well, I never knew that. I've always dabbed grease in mine when I've
had them apart for a clean.

"Bob"
--

Email address is spam trapped, to reply directly remove the beverage.

Call me Bob said:

On Sun, 21 May 2006 20:10:30 +0100, "Nigel Cliffe" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

Note that most
jockey wheels do not need lubrication, they run on dry bushes.

I'm not sure about that.

Quoted message said:

Well, I never knew that. I've always dabbed grease in mine when I've
had them apart for a clean.

So do I. Seems resonable since new Campag jockeys come with some lube.
Can't remember whether Shimano's do. Maybe the ones with ceramic bushes
don't need lube?

Oil can be used instead if grease if you like.

~PB

Neil Smith said:

Dear All,
is replacing jockey wheels in rear mechs a good idea.

When they've worn out, but they survive a lot of use before they need
changing.

Quoted message said:

I have
done it before and the mech has sprung apart - a little inconvenient.

Should be no danger of that once all bolted up properly.

~PB

in message <[email hidden]>, Neil Smith

(') said:

Dear All,
is replacing jockey wheels in rear mechs a good idea. I have
done it
before and the mech has sprung apart - a little inconvenient.

Yes, it's a good idea to replace them, when they get worn out (which they
do), or when the bearings/bushes are shot. And it's a good idea to strip
them down, clean and relubricate them regularly. The service life of the
jockey wheels is typically a lot less than the service life of the
mechanism itself, although they last longer if they're looked after.

--
[email hidden] (Simon Brooke) http://www.jasmine.org.uk/~simon/

to err is human, to lisp divine
;; attributed to Kim Philby, oddly enough.

in message <[email hidden]>, Call me Bob

(') said:

On Sun, 21 May 2006 20:10:30 +0100, "Nigel Cliffe" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

Note that most
jockey wheels do not need lubrication, they run on dry bushes.

Well, I never knew that. I've always dabbed grease in mine when I've
had them apart for a clean.

Me too (and will continue to do so).

--
[email hidden] (Simon Brooke) http://www.jasmine.org.uk/~simon/

;; For in much wisdom is much grief; and he that increaseth
;; knowledge increaseth sorrow.." - Ecclesiastes 1:18

Pete Biggs said:

Neil Smith said:

Dear All,
is replacing jockey wheels in rear mechs a good idea.

When they've worn out, but they survive a lot of use before they need
changing.

Quoted message said:

I have
done it before and the mech has sprung apart - a little inconvenient.

Should be no danger of that once all bolted up properly.

~PB

When bolting the mech back together I suggest that you use a little
threadlock.

Simon Brooke said:

in message <[email hidden]>, Call me Bob

(') said:

On Sun, 21 May 2006 20:10:30 +0100, "Nigel Cliffe" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

Note that most
jockey wheels do not need lubrication, they run on dry bushes.

Well, I never knew that. I've always dabbed grease in mine when I've
had them apart for a clean.

Me too (and will continue to do so).

I used to grease them. Then tried oil. Then tried leaving them dry. Seemed
to run better dry and stay running better for longer.
I have one bike with a 20 year old rear mech (Shimano 105). Others are newer
(Suntour). Not checked the service instructions on the newest bike (Campag)
as its too new to need a wipe down, let alone a service.

- Nigel

--
Nigel Cliffe,
Webmaster at http://www.2mm.org.uk/

I'd suggest not taking them apart on gravel or grass. On tarmac /
concrete you've got a slightly better chance of finding the little
metal tube which the axle fits in. I had to turn up a new one or pay a
fiver, the original has never been seen again.

Hywel

I'd suggest not taking them apart on gravel or grass. On tarmac /
concrete you've got a slightly better chance of finding the little
metal tube which the axle fits in. I had to turn up a new one or pay a
fiver, the original has never been seen again.

Hywel

"hyweldavies" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I'd suggest not taking them apart on gravel or grass. On tarmac /
concrete you've got a slightly better chance of finding the little
metal tube which the axle fits in. I had to turn up a new one or pay a
fiver, the original has never been seen again.

Hywel

Change 'em in the kitchen, with a white sheet under the bike.
(Or anywhere, as long as the white sheet is there...)
Easy to spot the little buggers then.
Peter

hyweldavies said:

I'd suggest not taking them apart on gravel or grass. On tarmac /
concrete you've got a slightly better chance of finding the little
metal tube which the axle fits in. I had to turn up a new one or pay a
fiver, the original has never been seen again.

Metal tube? Get ceramic ones, almost bombproof and very long lasting.
My last ones did over 30k and I only changed them because I changed the
mech..

...d

I only changed the metal tube because I lost it.
I dare say a ceramic one would also have needed replacing if I'd lost
that

:-)

Hywel

hyweldavies said:

I only changed the metal tube because I lost it.
I dare say a ceramic one would also have needed replacing if I'd lost
that

And ceramic ones are much harder to find using a magnet..

...d

David Martin said:

And ceramic ones are much harder to find using a magnet..

Don't need a magnet. They'll be under the fridge ;-)

--
Tony

"Anyone who conducts an argument by appealing to authority is not using
his intelligence; he is just using his memory."
- Leonardo da Vinci