Rapid-fire shifter problems

wicket

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On my LH shifter it's fine shifting from granny to middle. Won't shift into big ring though. Is this a common problem? And is there a quick fix? It's a 1997 shimano lx shifter.
 
Re:

If the mech limit screws are adjusted ok (try pulling mech cage manually for full movement with slack or loosened cable), then the shifter may be stuck in middle to top position while your mechs in bottom to middle. Spray plenty of wd40/gt85 in through the cable opening while working the levers both ways & pulling on the inner cable. If it frees up then drip some machine/gear oil back into the shifter afterwards. If not then shifter maybe toast.
 
Re:

To rule out the shifter, simply pull on the cable while spinning the crank. If it shifts through all rings then it could either be:

A) Not enough tension in the cable. Easy fix - tighten the cable.

B) Time to replace your old worn cabling with new inner and outer cable if there is any significant resistance when pulling on the cable.

C) Fine tuning/adjustment of the cable may be needed using the cable barrel adjuster on the shifter.

D) Shifter may be broken or simply need lubrication to free up that sticky grease that has been doing a good job for years until now. (Wd40/gt85 is your friend).

If it doesn't shift through the rings it could be that you need to adjust the limit screws on the mech to allow it to move further when the cable is pulled.

Hope you get it sorted/find the problem.
 
Could be wrong bb length also, have you recently changed bb?

mark
 
Re:

It's as though even though it's goes into granny ring, the shifter window isn't dropping down fully to 'L'. When in granny, the shifter indicator shows its between L and the position for middle ring.
 
Re:

That could just mean the rear indicator isn't fully attached or has broken. Depending on the model you should just be able to pop it off and check. Reseat if poss or confirm broken.
 
The grease solidifies around the pawls, they need a proper clean out. 3in1 is very good. Do both shifters.
 
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