How do you adjust a shimano STXderailleur? What is the difference between the top s***w and the bottom screws?

Question

How do you adjust a shimano STXderailleur? What is the difference between the top s***w and the bottom screws?

Answer 1

Where the heck does the torque rating for adjustment screws come into play? Baker, you need to reassess your "bike pro" status. Sorry, I had to give you a TD for that.

To the question... I assume you mean a rear derailleur.

The s***w marked "L" is to limit the derailleur from moving too far and running into the spokes. The s***w marked "H" is to limit the derailleur from going too far the other way and running the chain between the freewheel/cassette and the frame.

The third s***w should not be touched unless you know what you're doing. It is to adjust the distance between the derailleur pulley and the freewheel/cassette.

Here's how to adjust...

1) Shift the bike into high gear (smallest sprocket) in the back. Make sure the shifter is at it's end position- probably "7" or "8". The front derailleur, if equipped, should be on the smallest chainring.

2) Turn the "L" s***w until the top pulley on the derailleur lines up exactly with the small sprocket on the freewheel/cassette.

3) Loosen the cable fixing bolt and pull any slack from the cable, then retighten.

4) Carefully shift the bike into low gear (largest sprocket in the rear). The shifter should be at position "1".

5) Turn the "L" s***w until the top pulley on the derailleur lines up exactly with the largest sprocket on the freewheel/cassette.

6) Test shifting. It should be good now. If not, there may be a problem with derailleur alignment. This requires a special alignment tool and a trip to the bike shop for correction.