trouble with right shifter level

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Anonymous's picture
Anonymous

"I am suddenly having trouble shifting into the smaller cogs with my Shimano 105 right shifter lever. I found the following post on the message board that appears to describe my problem:

""If you can shift up in gear (go into smaller cogs) by holding your big lever outwards and clicking on the small lever, it means the big-lever return spring is broken and is not repairable, since Shimano does not sell that spring as a small part.""

Does anyone have an opinion as to whether this is the problem and, if so, whether there's anything I can do to fix it altogether or make it somewhat better? In my case, I can sometimes shift into the small cogs, but not reliably and I really have to push hard on the lever to do it. Two other important facts: I am not exactly what one would call a skilled bike mechanic, although I'm learning, and I can't easily get to a shop before my next ride. Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

"

Anonymous's picture
<a href="http://www.OhReallyOreilly.com">Peter O'Reilly</a> (not verified)
shifter troubleshooting

"First, I would check the cable to be sure that it is not frayed, kinked or recently subject to allot of road slop, namely where the cable meets the rear derailleur riding in these winter conditions. It's likely it's not the cable, but I would check this out first anyway.

Next, are you sure the gearing is properly adjusted? Since it just recently happened, perhaps the newly replaced derailleur cables ""stretched"" after recently bringing in your bike to the shop for a winter overhaul. Naturally this is a big assumption on my behalf. If so, then one or more clock-wise turns of the barrel adjuster on the rear derailleur will make the shifting suitably precise again.

The best bet, once you've eliminated the possibilities of the first two paragraphs is to clean the right shifter. To do so, apply some braking action with one hand to open up the top of the lever and use the other to spray WD40 into the lever body. Spray generously, use the red straw attached that comes with the WD40 and have some paper towel underneath the bike to catch the dirty drip. Keep spraying until the drip starts to appear clean/clear and afterwards wipe down the shifter as necessary.

WD40 may be found at a hardware store. If they don't have it, just ask for ""silicon spray"". Any brand will do, but be sure it comes with a (red) straw nozzle attachment for precise nook-n-cranny spraying capabilities.

If the WD40 does not solve the problem then most likely the shifter is ready for a funeral or in need of a really good STI surgeon. These documents may be of help.
"

Anonymous's picture
"Chainwheel" (not verified)
Shifter Problems

"When you shift to a smaller cog, you're reducing tension on the shift cable. One possible cause for your problem could be kinked or gunked up cables or housings. That would be the first thing I'd check. If the SIS housings haven't been replaced in a long while, now would be a good time. Also, see that the cable guide under the bottom bracket is clean and lubed. Cold weather can add to this problem.

If that's not the cause, your shift lever is probably going south. The fix of last resort is the Shimano STI repair kit (a.k.a. the WD-40 flush). Turn the bike upside down and squirt copious amounts of WD-40 into the innards of the lever. Use a bucket to catch the run off. Then exercise the lever extensively. This procedure can remove gunk that's gumming up the works. Sometimes it cures the problem permanently, other times it's a temporary fix.

""Chainwheel""
"

Anonymous's picture
"Chainwheel" (not verified)
Warranty??

"One other thought. I think the warranty on 105 shifters is two years. If the bike was bought within that period, get to a shop quick and demand a warranty replacement. I understand Shimano is very good about that (since this is a known problem).

""Chainwheel"""

Anonymous's picture
Kathy (not verified)

"Thanks for the suggestions. No frayed cables or conspicuous gunk. I cleaned and lubed everything last night, and that didn't seem to help. However, I did not try the full ""lube bath."" If that doesn't work, it sounds like funeral invitations with be forthcoming."

Anonymous's picture
Evan Marks (not verified)
lube bath

Ideally you'd want to remove the lever from the handlebar so you could get the spray nozzle into it from all angles but if you're doing it indoors and attached to the bike (you know that underused stairwell in your building? well...) be sure to make a huge mess, enough lube to drip down into a big puddle when you're done, then blast it clean with a can of compressed air that you'd use to clean a computer keyboard - spray it everywhere into the innards. Then turn the whole bike upside-down and repeat. Good luck.

Keep the spray off the brake pads and rims - cover them if necessary.

Anonymous's picture
Rob (not verified)

Just a thought.

WEAR GOGGLES when dong all this spraying.

Just a thought


rob

Anonymous's picture
Kathy (not verified)

Ok, I've converted our second bedroom/office into a grease pit. I am wearing my full Hazmat orange suit and goggles. I have matching Hazmat covering for all parts of my bike that should not be lubed, of course. I've had the bike right side up, upside down and -- just for good measure -- on both sides. The WD-40 is flowing. In other words, there's a full blown party going on here.

Alas, my shift lever still is not cooperating. I think a trip to the bike shop is in order. But seriously, thanks very much for all of the suggestions.

Anonymous's picture
Rob (not verified)

LOL, I think the suggestion on the warranty is best.

Good luck

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