How to service ( lubricate ) a bicycle derailleur cable. ( No Tools ) adjust cables

One of the main causes of poor shifting performance in a bike that had formerly shifted pretty well is excess dust, dirt, and contaminant in the derailleur housing.

This video demonstrates a technique on how to lubricate a bicycle derailleur cable without having to use any special tools. The trick is basically that you run the gears up to the point that the derailleur is at it's maximum extension under tension (on the biggest cog for standard, or down on the smaller cogs for a reverse, or "Rapid Rise" derailleur) and then, without pedaling, you release the shifter to the other end of the spectrum. By leaving the derailleur at it's full extension, but releasing the shifter you create a bunch of slack in the cable (because the chain on the cogs holds the derailleur in place at full extension. With the cable slacked out you can remove the derailleur housing and cable from it's guides (if the guides are slotted which is the standard on most decent bikes.) Then with the cable housing able to slide up and down on the cable itself, you can lubricate the cable, inspect for kinks, and clean.




The best part of this technique is that you can do it quickly, you can do it anywhere, and it does not mess with the derailleur adjustment at all.

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[1joe22]

can you use wd40 as your lube ?

[WheeliePete]

@1joe22 I would NOT use WD-40. WD-40 literally stands for Water Displacement, 40th attempt. That's the name straight out of the lab book used by the chemist who developed WD-40 back in 1953. The chemist, Norm Larsen, was attempting to concoct a formula to prevent corrosion-a task which is done by displacing water. I prefer to use a synthetic or teflon type lube that sticks around. Don't ever lube your chain with WD-40 either. Use a chain lube. WD40 is good for cleaning parts though...

[1joe22]

@WheeliePete thanks dude hopefully ma gears will work now lol

[WheeliePete]

@1joe22 Side note: WD-40 works fantastic for enhancing crab bait over on the coast. ;-)

[wilkbor]

Thanks.... This is a good and helpful video.... A couple of quick questions: do you need to clean the cable and housing for the brakes? Can you use a similar technique?

Thanks again...KB.

[WheeliePete]

@wilkbor Yes, you can use the a similar technique for brakes.

[seocom]

great trick for lubricating the cable thx

[CycleDub]

Thanks - very helpful

[WheeliePete]

@hannas1234 Actually, no, it's installed correctly. It's a Shimano integrated centerlock disc and hub so the disc plate is splined and attaches to the hub with what is essentially a lockring cap just like on the cassette. It just looks backwards from what you would expect, but it really is on there correctly. there's even a big "<----Rotation'' stamped on it to keep people from trying to put it on in the direction that would make more sense visually...lol...

[hannas1234]

Is that brake disc installed backward?