Gear troubles

[ಠ_ಠ]

Hi,
A few weeks ago, the gear shift on the right hand side started moving freely, and I had to hold it in place. I tried to tighten it, but got less than half a turn before it seized up and stopped moving altogether. My boss took a look at it for me, took it apart a few times, and sort of got it working again. instead of the 4-5 speeds I could usually get on that side, I can now only get three.

She noticed that the covering on my cables were cracked in a few places due to the cold, and the wiring was exposed. She recommended that I grease up the cracks every few days, which I've been doing.

I cleaned and lubed up my chain yesterday, as well as tightened my brakes a little, and today, it's skipping when I pedal, as though it's stuck between gears. It does this no matter which gear I'm in. I've tried adjusting both sides, and it still does it. is there anything I can do myself? I really can't afford to buy a new gear system or have it looked at right now.

EDIT: the gear shifter in question:
[attachment=822]

[Bill]

I would suggest viewing these then read below if you already have....
http://bicycletutor.com/tune-up/

http://bicycletutor.com/lube-brake-shift-cables/

1. It does not sound like it is the shifter but exactly what you said the cracked cable housings which will let the bads of mother nature in causing anodizing, rusting, etc tear up your shifter and/or brake cables. Greasing them up really don't help all that much but prolong the problem. Your shifter is more less moving about freely because the cable is probably freezing up. You will need to get another cable sooner or later.

2. The skipping chain well maybe worn chain/gear cluster, bad derailler, OR just your shifter cables sticking causing the derailler not properly changing the gears! I would definitely try getting a new shifter cable, $4.50 will get you a COMPLETE cable replacement at walmart. All the videos on this site will show ya how to do that...
http://bicycletutor.com/replace-cable-housings/
http://bicycletutor.com/inner-shift-cable/
http://bicycletutor.com/inner-brake-cable/

Hope that helps,
Bill

[Surly LHT]

I'm with Bill I think you need new set of cables for your bike. And watch the videos here. These videos are good info for all of us they have help me a few times.