How To Adjust Shimano 105 Rear Derailleur

The Shimano 105 rear derailleur is an important component of the drivetrain of any bike. It is responsible for shifting the chain between the different cogs on the cassette, allowing you to select the right gear for the terrain and your riding style. In order for the derailleur to work properly, it must be adjusted correctly. This can be done relatively easily, but there are a few steps you must take in order to ensure that your bike is running at its best.

Step 1: Check the Derailleur Alignment

The first step to adjusting a Shimano 105 rear derailleur is to make sure that it is properly aligned. To do this, you will need to check that the pulleys are in line with the cogs on the cassette. To do this, shift the derailleur so that it is in the highest gear and then check that the pulleys are parallel to the largest cog. If the pulleys are not in line, you will need to adjust the low- and high-limit screws on the derailleur until they are.

Step 2: Adjust the Barrel Adjuster

The next step is to adjust the barrel adjuster on the derailleur. The barrel adjuster is responsible for setting the tension of the cable, which affects how quickly the derailleur shifts between gears. To adjust the barrel adjuster, shift the derailleur to the highest gear, then turn the barrel adjuster clockwise until the derailleur shifts correctly. If the derailleur is still not shifting correctly, you may need to adjust the cable tension.

Step 3: Adjust the Cable Tension

The cable tension is responsible for how quickly the derailleur shifts between gears. To adjust the cable tension, you will need to loosen the cable clamp bolt on the derailleur. Then, use a 5mm allen key to turn the cable tension adjuster until the derailleur shifts correctly. Once you have adjusted the cable tension, you should re-tighten the cable clamp bolt.

Step 4: Check the Derailleur Limit Screws

The derailleur limit screws are responsible for setting the maximum and minimum gear that the derailleur can shift to. To check the limit screws, shift the derailleur to the highest and lowest gears. If the derailleur is not shifting to the highest or lowest gears, you will need to adjust the limit screws. To do this, you will need to loosen the limit screws and then turn them clockwise until the derailleur shifts correctly.

Step 5: Test the Derailleur

Once you have adjusted the derailleur, you should test it to make sure that it is working correctly. To do this, you should shift the derailleur between all of the gears and make sure that it shifts smoothly and without any issues. If it does not, you may need to make further adjustments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How do I know if my Shimano 105 rear derailleur needs adjusting?

If your Shimano 105 rear derailleur is not shifting smoothly or is not shifting to the highest or lowest gears, it may need to be adjusted.

Q2: How do I adjust the cable tension on my Shimano 105 rear derailleur?

To adjust the cable tension on your Shimano 105 rear derailleur, you will need to loosen the cable clamp bolt and then use a 5mm allen key to turn the cable tension adjuster until the derailleur shifts correctly.

Q3: How do I adjust the limit screws on my Shimano 105 rear derailleur?

To adjust the limit screws on your Shimano 105 rear derailleur, you will need to loosen the limit screws and then turn them clockwise until the derailleur shifts correctly.

Q4: How often should I adjust my Shimano 105 rear derailleur?

It is recommended that you adjust your Shimano 105 rear derailleur at least once a year, or more often if you ride regularly.

Q5: What tools do I need to adjust my Shimano 105 rear derailleur?

To adjust your Shimano 105 rear derailleur, you will need a 5mm allen key, a pair of pliers, and a Philips head screwdriver.

Q6: Do I need to adjust the cable tension after every ride?

No, it is not necessary to adjust the cable tension after every ride, but you should check it regularly to make sure that the derailleur is shifting correctly.

Q7: Can I adjust a Shimano 105 rear derailleur myself?

Yes, it is possible to adjust a Shimano 105 rear derailleur yourself, although if you are not experienced with bike maintenance it is recommended that you take it to a bike shop.

Q8: How do I know if my Shimano 105 rear derailleur is properly adjusted?

To check if your Shimano 105 rear derailleur is properly adjusted, you should shift it between all of the gears and make sure that it shifts smoothly and without any issues.

Q9: What happens if I don’t adjust my Shimano 105 rear derailleur?

If you do not adjust your Shimano 105 rear derailleur, it may not shift correctly or may not shift at all, resulting in poor performance and potentially dangerous riding conditions.

Q10: Can I adjust my Shimano 105 rear derailleur with a flat head screwdriver?

No, you should not use a flat head screwdriver to adjust your Shimano 105 rear derailleur. You should use a 5mm allen key and a Philips head screwdriver.

Q11: How do I adjust the barrel adjuster on my Shimano 105 rear derailleur?

To adjust the barrel adjuster on your Shimano 105 rear derailleur, shift it to the highest gear and then turn the barrel adjuster clockwise until the derailleur shifts correctly.

Q12: What is the purpose of the barrel adjuster on a Shimano 105 rear derailleur?

The barrel adjuster on a Shimano 105 rear derailleur is responsible for setting the tension of the cable, which affects how quickly the derailleur shifts between gears.

Q13: What other components of my bike should I check when adjusting my Shimano 105 rear derailleur?

When adjusting your Shimano 105 rear derailleur, you should also check the chain tension, cassette alignment, and chainring alignment.

Q14: Is it necessary to adjust my Shimano 105 rear derailleur if I am only using one or two gears?

Yes, it is still important to adjust your Shimano 105 rear derailleur even if you are only using one or two gears. This will ensure that the derailleur is shifting correctly and efficiently.

Q15: How do I check the alignment of my Shimano 105 rear derailleur?

To check the alignment of your Shimano 105 rear derailleur, shift it to the highest gear and then check that the pulleys are parallel to the largest cog.

Q16: Can I adjust my Shimano 105 rear derailleur without a 5mm allen key?

No, you will need a 5mm allen key to adjust the cable tension on your Shimano 105 rear derailleur.

Q17: What is the purpose of the low- and high-limit screws on a Shimano 105 rear derailleur?

The low- and high-limit screws on a Shimano 105 rear derailleur are responsible for setting the maximum and minimum gear that the derailleur can shift to.

Q18: How do I adjust the low- and high-limit screws on my Shimano 105 rear derailleur?

To adjust the low- and high-limit screws on your Shimano 105 rear derailleur, you will need to loosen the limit screws and then turn them clockwise until the derailleur shifts correctly.

Q19: Can I adjust my Shimano 105 rear derailleur without