0

My right Shimano shifter is now loose and clicking it doesn't do anything to the rear derailleur. I've checked the derailleur and it still works fine. How can I fix the shifter?

Edit: It's a road bike cable shifter; it has the brakes with it as well so it's a brifter (?). I have potentially found the problem. Something in the cable seems to have snapped as the cable has come out of the shifter. Any way to fix that?

Edit 2: I realised that someone shared a link on how to replace the cable in the comments so this question has been answered. Thank you everyone.

Improve this question
8
  • 2
    Short answer is probably not. The internals of shifters are famous for going 'ping' in all directions if you open them. It is possible but will be a PITA to put back together and you may not be able to fix it anyway. When I asked my LBS they said parts for (lower end) shifters aren't sold.
    – Holloway
    Commented Jan 14, 2015 at 14:49
  • 1
    Check that you have enough cable tension (if you hold the shift cable taut, you should feel the shifter pulling/loosening the cable when you click it). Generally, shifters are not repairable parts (even on the high end), so you'll need to get a new compatible shifter if the end diagnosis is that you need a new shifter.
    – Batman
    Commented Jan 14, 2015 at 15:40
  • 2
    What kind of shifter is it? Mountain / road? Electric or cable operated? Is it a combination brake lever gear shifter (brifter) or a standalone shifter? Shimano has made hundreds of shifters over the years. I understand if you don't know exactly what kind of shifter it is, but try to narrow it down a bit.
    – Eric
    Commented Jan 14, 2015 at 16:10
  • 1
    A recent post here discussed Grease in Shimano Brifters drying out so they would not latch - is this the possible cause ("loose" is a "loose" term to describe the problem, and you don't say what kind of shifters you have)
    – mattnz
    Commented Jan 14, 2015 at 20:19
  • 1
    If you have found the answer to your question, please post it as an answer rather than editing it into your question. Answering your own question is an acceptable and even encouraged practice on Stack Exchange sites.
    – jimchristie ♦
    Commented Jan 15, 2015 at 20:52

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1

Based on the edit, put a new cable on. And while you're at it, you may as well replace the cable housing.

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.