Front derailleur spring

[lorenjz]

Hello,

I purchased a specialized allez off of craigslist about 6 months ago. Today when I start out on a ride the front derailleur wouldn't shift. I looked down and the cable was totally loose (this has never been a problem). I went back to my car to see if I could get it going. After about 10 minutes I think that I have figured out the problem but I'm not sure how to fix it. I think the spring that holds the tension popped out of the clips, but I can't figure out what the appropriate orientation is. It's a shimano tiagra derailleur.

Does anyone have any thoughts?

Loren

[nfmisso]

Google "shimano tech docs" in the link you will find technical documentation for all of their products.

Given the price of front derailleurs, I would not spend more than 10 minutes on it before just replacing it.

[RobAR]

This may or may not be the problem but, I've seen it on several occasions.
The inside link arm, where your spring is, is made of cast aluminum. There is a little 'stub' on the bottom of it that the rear spring leg is captured under. If that stub breaks off, your spring will just flop around and have no tension at all. New drlr time if that's the case.

As Nigel noted, I wouldn't spend much time on it.

[lorenjz]

(06-16-2012, 02:48 PM)RobAR Wrote:  This may or may not be the problem but, I've seen it on several occasions.
The inside link arm, where your spring is, is made of cast aluminum. There is a little 'stub' on the bottom of it that the rear spring leg is captured under. If that stub breaks off, your spring will just flop around and have no tension at all. New drlr time if that's the case.

As Nigel noted, I wouldn't spend much time on it.

Yup, the 'stub' busted off. I've got Ultegra parts ordered... I'm hoping that they are a bit of an upgrade. Thanks for the suggestions and help.

Loren