Shifter problem

[bryanfranz]

I've got LX M570 rapid fire shifters on my 5yr old bike. The right shifter (rear) thumb lever does not always "catch", unless I push hard upward before pushing forward. Does this just mean it's worn-out, or is there some maintenance I can do for it? I'm a little afraid to open it up, as I have visions of it exploding into tiny pieces if I do. Can I take it apart and clean/oil it? Any advice or relevant website pointers would be appreciated.

-- thanks

[Buddylee]

I have seen this happen on the rapid fire shifters before.. Usually you can take the shifter apart and clean the internals very well. The problem is the ratchet mechanism sticks and will not catch. 9 times out of 10, this has worked for me.

Use a simple degreaser, do not use harsh chemicals since most of the parts on the shifters are plastic and you don't want them to melt.


Of course, 5 year shifters could be worn beyond repair, but it's worth a try.

Good Luck

[jed]

Remove the little screw that provides access to the cable and spray a little Tri-Flow in there. I have kept a XT shifter of similar vintage alive and working well this way. This technique also works with sticky STI road shifters.

[themonkeyman]

I'm not sure, but does that lever have rubber bushings like a brake lever? If so, maybe you need new bushings, I know when the bushing on a brake lever wear out, the lever will rock up and down, in the same direction as a shimano dual-control, but not as far. Other than that, pick up a new pair.

[bryanfranz]

I opened it up, degreased it, blew it out with some compressed air, and lubed it. It seems to be working fine now. I could not see exactly why it wasn't working, but it is a magical little device.

Thanks for the community support.

- bryan