How To Fix A Shimano Sis Derailleur Adjustment

Learning how to fix a Shimano SIS derailleur adjustment will help you out whenever you encounter any problems that may arise while using your bicycle. This brand has been very well-known for a long time. There are some people that feel that fixing a Shimano SIS derailleur is too much trouble, and they usually get a new one because the cost is not so high. If you still want to fix your Shimano SIS derailleur, check these steps before replacing the whole system.

To fix a Shimano SIS derailleur, you will need:

• A hex key
• A barrel adjuster
• A screwdriver
• Oil

1. Check the cable. Before going to check the rear system, the sprockets or the chain, make sure the cable is working right. Sometimes the problem is not from the derailleur itself, but the cable could be failing. That is, the shift is not properly being done from the thumb shifter to the rear derailleur. This is when you should take your bike to the shop to have it adjusted. It is better for you to go to a professional than to try to make the adjustment by yourself.
2. Take a look at the chain and the sprockets. A common problem is the chain being misplaced on the sprockets. The Shimano SIS is very messy when you are riding. It often changes out of the blue when you're going on a higher gear, or when you hit a bump, or start increasing the push on the pedals. Try putting the shifter in the right position again. This is very easy to do. Just make sure the derailleur is in a vertical position with your hands, and the cable should become loose, enabling you to correct the placement.
3. Add some lubrication to the chain. This will help the chain to not get stuck between the bracelets. If it does, you will feel sudden stiffness when pushing the pedals. Go to the bike store and buy some bicycle chain oil. Thanks to this, the chain will move smoothly through the derailleur, thus keeping you from having to pedal too much.
4. Setting the pulleys right. Take a close look to your Shimano SIS derailleur. You will find two pulleys. One is called the guide pulley, and it directs the motion, and the tension pulley sets the stretch. On the side of the guide pulley, there are two screws, which are the limit screws. The upper screw controls the outer-most limit of the derailleur, and the lower controls the inner-most limit. If you want to change the limit of travel of the pulleys, then you must adjust the screws. For a higher tension setting, turn the screw all the way down. For a lower tension, only adjust half of it. This will improve the shift to the cogs.

Next time you feel more noise than usual during shifts, and think that there might be a problem with the derailleur, check to see whether everything else is in the right place. These steps give you the basic knowledge you need to adjust the Shimano SIS derailleur properly.