idiot question

magicbastarder

is there a locking mechanism on the tension adjuster on a rear derailleur?
my rear derailleur seems consistently out through the range, but the main tension adjuster won't turn for me; might it have seized? the derailleur is probably 11 years old. i've tried pulling it out to see if it's a spring loaded lock of some description, but no luck. i've not tried forcing it yet.

magicbastarder

this boyo, just in case i'm mangling the terms:

NeedMoreGears

FWIW my one has a simple spring arrangement to lock the adjusting barrel in place. You slide the barrel away from the derailleur body and then it can be turned.

Did you try turning it in both directions? Sometimes that can free it up. Failing that maybe a drop of penetrating oil?

EDIT: The picture appeared as I was typing. Your set up seems similar to mine, albeit mine is only two years old. If you can straighten the cable a bit (it seems to be entering the adjuster at an angle), it may be easier to slide back (to the left in your picture) and then turn

magicbastarder

cheers - the plastic sleeve does slide out a tiny bit, but no joy. i've sprayed it with wd40, will leave for a few hours.

Raam

11 years out of a derailleur, I'm impressed

magicbastarder

well, the bike has been in storage for four years and unfortunately didn't get an awful lot of use during two years before it went into storage.

irishmotorist

You could try releasing the cable from the bolt at the right of that picture and see if the black fella twists either way with no tension on it...

feck sake lads

irishmotorist wrote: »

You could try releasing the cable from the bolt at the right of that picture and see if the black fella twists either way with no tension on it...

exactly andthen pop over to youtube a sus out a few videos on how to fine tune rear mech.;)

magicbastarder

already been there, but didn't bother trying to do a proper fine tune till i can find out how to free the nut. will try irishmotorist's suggestion in the morning.

magicbastarder

irishmotorist wrote: »

You could try releasing the cable from the bolt at the right of that picture and see if the black fella twists either way with no tension on it...

unfortunately, i had no joy with this. undid the bolt, pulled the cable housing out from the adjuster. may just have to try to force it, in case it's seized.

magicbastarder

bingo. now to go learn how to adjust this wee beastie.