I have an MTB with Shimano Deore/SLX components.
I just replaced the chain.
Should the chain go over the lug as I have it in the picture?
Bicycles Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for people who build and repair bicycles, people who train cycling, or commute on bicycles. It only takes a minute to sign up.
Sign up to join this communityI have an MTB with Shimano Deore/SLX components.
I just replaced the chain.
Should the chain go over the lug as I have it in the picture?
Shimano seems to keep a lot of their documentation online, you can find your specific manual there.
For example, the site gives this picture for DEORE XT RD-M8000 derailleur.
Essentially, the chain needs to follow the shortest path between the two jockey wheels. When installed properly, the chain won't touch the plate at all. If it does you've routed it incorrectly. But it appears from your pictures that it's routed incorrectly, the chain appears to be held off of the upper (lower in the photo) jockey wheel more than I'd expect.
It's difficult to make out in this picture, but I believe the keeper bar on the cage should be forward of the chain.
The way to determine whether the chain is threaded correctly is to see whether it drags on the keeper bar when it moves. If it drags, it's threaded wrong.
The pictures definitely show a chain that is routed incorrectly on the wrong side of the derailment prevention plate. (See diagram) It doesn’t matter that the bike is upside down, the chain is clearly on the wrong side of the plate.