Believe it or not, it's not difficult to replace the rear derailleur yourself. Before replacing a "bent derailleur" make sure it's not just the derailleur hanger! First, remove the idler pulley -- that's the bottom pulley of the derailleur.
How much does it cost to replace a rear derailleur?
If you take your MTB into a local bike shop the average price to replace a rear derailleur is going to be $110. If you DIY replacing a derailleur will cost about $50 (plus your time) This price will depend a lot on the actual derailleur needed. Usually a bike shop will also take care of other problems.
Can I change derailleur without breaking chain?
If the derailleur is riveted closed, you won't be able to take it off the bike without breaking the chain or destroying the derailleur. If you're going to replace it, then you'll need to break the chain anyway to put the new derailleur on. So if that's the case, then just buy a chain tool and new derailleur.
Can you swap derailleurs?
Whether you need to change the derailleur cable and housing is going to depend on their condition, might be a good time to replace them along with a new derailleur to maximize the benefit of changing it out. Parktool.com is a great way to go, so is buying a copy of Zinn's Art of Mountain Bike Maintenance.
When should you replace rear derailleur?
Derailleurs will last almost indefinitely. The jockey wheels will wear out in time (tens of thousands of km) but the rest of the mechanism shouldn't see significant wear. It could be that the spring will break at some point due to material fatigue, but that is also a relatively easy to replace part on most derailleurs.
15 related questions foundDo derailleurs wear out?
All derailleurs wear out at some point. Check for wear by pulling laterally on the lower cage. Compare this movement in the linkage of a new derailleur. Sloppy pivot and linkages will produce inconsistent shifting, and the only solution is a new derailleur.
Will any derailleur fit my bike?
A derailleur for your mountain bike should match the specifications on the original derailleur. That is, while it doesn't need to be the same model of derailleur, it does need to be the same brand, in almost every case. It also needs to match the number of gears, or have more intended.
Can I use Shimano cassette with SRAM derailleur?
SRAM's cassettes and chains are compatible with all of Shimano's groupsets, and vice versa. Likewise, Shimano and SRAM buyers have the freedom to mix different levels of chains and cassettes so long as they are designed for the same kind of transmission.
Why is my derailleur clicking?
If you hear a constant clicking (especially in certain gears), it could mean that your shifter cables have stretched enough to pull your derailleur out of alignment, causing your chain to ride between gears or rub on the derailleur cage. First, make sure your derailleur is aligned and that the hanger isn't bent.
Can I remove my rear derailleur?
Rear Derailleur Removal
The first step is to shift your chain onto the smallest rear sprocket. Then pull off the shift cable's end cap and loosen the cable pinch bolt. Remove the cable from the derailleur. Now you'll need to remove the chain from the derailleur.
Are derailleur hangers universal?
There are two types of universal emergency derailleur hangers: For QR (9/10mm, 5mm skewers) axle systems: D99 universal derailleur hanger with beer opener. For Though axle (12mm) systems: Emergency derailleur hanger | DROPOUT-G.
Do SRAM cassettes fit Shimano hubs?
Both 12-speed setups from SRAM and Shimano share the same sprocket spacings and it's the same with both brand's 11-speed groups. That means that if you want to run a 12-speed Shimano group but don't want to get a Micro Spline hub, you could use a SRAM 12-speed cassette with either an XD or HG freehub body.
Are Shimano and SRAM chains interchangeable?
Shimano and SRAM 11-speed chains are cross-compatible. If you have a Shimano 11-speed drivetrain, a SRAM chain will work fine and vice versa, however manufacturer's recommend pairing your components for optimal performance.
Can I use any shifter with Shimano derailleur?
Shimano derailleur compatibility
Most 8- and 9-speed Shimano mountain bike and road kit is inter-compatible because they both use the same cable pull ratio. This means that you can use an 8 -or 9-speed mountain bike derailleur with road shifters or vice versa.
How do I buy a derailleur?
When buying a new rear derailleur be sure to match it with your drivetrain 'speed'. 10-speed drivetrains use narrower chains than 9-speed so you'll need a mech to match. Most rear mechs are made of a polymer and alloy mix but you'll find carbon fibre in top-end models to shave even more weight.
Are rear derailleur hangers universal?
SRAM has introduced a Universal Derailleur Hanger concept, and word is Trek and other major brands are on board. The idea is simple: Create a single hanger design that works on any bike for any derailleur. In reality, the mounting point and shape for the derailleur interface has been standard forever.
Why does my chain skip when I pedal hard?
The chain could be slipping due to natural weakening of the chain. Over time, the chain will stretch out and a loose chain means more slipping when pedaling hard. The chain could also be slipping if your cogs are word down. The cogs/crank also wear over time and can leave the chain with not much to "grab" on to.
How long do bicycle derailleurs last?
Good quality rear derailleur can last between 3 to 5 years, when unbranded or low-quality ones can last for 2 years, no matter what the durability of the rear derailleur the jockey wheel will wear after time and it can be replaced very cheaply with new ones, on the other hand, front derailleur can last almost ...
