Shifting problems - HELP!

[Crash]

I am having some problems with my XT shifting pod. It is about 5 years old with quite a few miles. My rear shifter doesn't seem to be resetting itself properly while downshifting (easier gear). In other words, when I press the shifter thumb lever in to downshift in the back, it returns back towards my thumb again, but the ratcheting mechanism within the body of the shifter doesn't seem to be engageing. So that when I press the thumb lever again, it feels loose through most of its travel (maybe I can get it to drop a gear at the end of the travel). When the thumb lever returns again, the ratcheting system may or may not engage.

I haven't opened up the pod yet. Anyone know if I can fix this by opening it up and doing something to it? Or do I pretty much need to buy a new shift pod?

[soupboy]

...time you replaced cables? You just need to open it up, swap cables and maybe clean it out with a q-tip swabbed with Tri Flow.

If that doesn't work you may either a) need new shifters - the gears/rachets do wear out, or b) go SS baby!

I have a lonely, lightly used set of XT 9spd shifters if you're interested.

Sean

[TML]

I've not had XT's apart but I have taken apart my '96 XTR pods and cleaned and regreased them. (very impressed at the construction of these things) The XT pods, I would guess, are similarily serviceable. I highly advise you pretend you're playing "Operation" and use a steady hand. theres a lot of small, spring loaded parts that will be ready to fling all over if you're not careful. That being said, my xtr's work like new after the clean and relube.

I had a set of LX's from the early 90's and they weren't quite as serviceable.

Good luck Craig.

[Crash]

Thanks guys. the cables are relatively new XTR that Doug put on for me. Also, I don't think it is the cables since it is more of an engagement thing on the pod vs. sluggish or ghost shifting.
I'll pull the cable, and try to lube the pod to see if that helps.

I may be interested in your XT pods but this might also be an opportunity for me to switch to SRAM X9 triggers with a X0 deraileur.:cool:

[berrywise]

Good chance things are just gummed up in there. Degrease them, let it dry and then use some lube is what I usually do as a quick fix.

Shimano shifters in my mind are a pain just because it is like playing doctor. Way to much to be able to wrong inside those things. I would like to get my hands on a set of X.0 triggers to see if they are any better because all of SRAM's grip shifters are about three or four parts.

[Crash]

O.K.

Took them apart and without removing the cable I sprayed the heck out of the pod with WD 40 to degrease. Let it dry and then relubed it with boshfield (sp?). Put it back together and took her for a night ride at leb. Seems to have done the trick. Thanks everybody!

[Standard]

Yup, the grease inside Shimano trigger shifters seems to gum up after a few years, and stop the pawls from engaging the ratchet's. Usually a quick degreasing and re-lubing takes care of it, but sometimes you have to take 'em apart and work the pawls a bit to free them up.

[Trevize1138]

Get a single speed. Shifting problems solved! :crazy:

[Crash]

Get a single speed. Shifting problems solved! :crazy:LOL - I was waiting for this post to show up. I'm just surprised it took you so long Chris :p

BTW - shifting worked nice and smooth again today. :banana: