Front mech question

Just what do you mean by "jammed up?" Before spending time looking and money on a new derailleur, break the chain, unhook the cable, and remove the old one. Does it pivot, and does the spring push it to the inside position, and are the side plates straight and unbent? If you can answer yes to all of these, then the derailleur is not the problem.

Now that you have the cable unhooked, pull it through the housing. Does it slide freely or get stuck? Are housings undamaged and without kinks, and are the ends neat and trim or do they look like an exploding cigar? If there is any damage to the cable or housing, replace both. After replacing cable and before attaching it to the mech, test the shifters. Do they pull and release cable?

Refer to this page for re-installing and adjusting your mech: parktool.comfront derailleur adjustmentsOpen ↗

Refer to this page for cutting and installing cable: parktool.comcutting cable housingOpen ↗

And if you do need a new mech, Shimano's Claris, 2300, or 2200 unit should do the job. These are made for use with 8-speed chains. The models for narrower chains will work but will cause too much chain rub. Be sure to get the version for band attachment and double chainrings. The default diameter for the band is 31.8 mm, with a shim for smaller tubes.

Yes, agreed ... YOU need to be you sure that there is actually a problem with the front derailleur ...

BTW. You can currently buy a replacement on eBay for

Quote:
Originally Posted by alfeng [IMG]/img/forum/go_quote.gif[/IMG]

FYI. You can substitute almost ANY bottom pull 8-speed Shimano front derailleur which has the correct clamp size (the information is generally on the INSIDE of the clamp on Shimano front derailleurs)
But one made specifically for Shimano 2x8 road will work a lot better. And without having to purchase a Campagnolo front shifter.

oldbobcat said:

Quote: But one made specifically for Shimano 2x8 road will work a lot better. And without having to purchase a Campagnolo front shifter.

I did say to buy an 8-speed [I]Shimano[/I] front derailleur. :big-smile:

thanks for the info guys. yes the front mech is totally stiff i can barely even move it with a screwdriver as torque. thanks

The front derailleur is a relatively cheap component to replace. However, you can probably salvage your existing one. There are a few bolts on the main pivots that can be removed to allow cleaning and regreasing of the bushings. You may get by with using a penetrating cleaner followed by some oil, if you don't want to disassemble it.

maydog said:

... you can probably salvage your existing one. There are a few bolts on the main pivots that can be removed to allow cleaning and regreasing of the bushings. You may get by with using a penetrating cleaner followed by some oil, if you don't want to disassemble it.

Yes ... I agree that there is a good chance that the front derailleur can be rejuvenated with some OIL. Anything from the fore mentioned penetrating oil to 3-in-1 type (which will probably take longer to cut through the rust) should work.