Answered Shimano 12Sp Derailleur clutch lubrication

[geehaw]

My rear derailleur is hanging up when clutch is engaged. I assume just needs a clean and lube. Shimano recommends Shimano Grease for Shadow RD+ Rear Derailleur Y04121000 which does not appear to be readily available. What have others used with good results.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Mcharza]

I'm using normal bike grease what I have.

 

[steve_sordy]

It just feels wrong to put grease in a clutch. Clutches rely on friction, so adding grease sort of defeats the object. But if Shimnao say so then they must be right. Unless it's special anti-rust, anti-slip grease!

 

[Gary]

it's only really a clutch in that it "grabs" not really comparible to an automotive clutch or anything.
Grease helps the mechanism still allow the spring to tension the mech

 

[steve_sordy]

it's only really a clutch in that it "grabs" not really comparible to an automotive clutch or anything.
Grease helps the mechanism still allow the spring to tension the mech

Yep, the few I've seen are like a horseshoe-shaped spring wrapped around a stub shaft. The open ends of the horseshoe are tensioned to make the rest of the horseshoe grip the shaft. Steel on steel would be bad of course, but it still feels wrong to add lube.

 

[Gary]

feels wrong to add lube.

I agree. but only because it's rarely worth the labour to strip and rebuild them
All Shimnao products are covered by 2 years warranty.
If the clutch goes sticky in that time it's a no brainer to just warranty it.
if it's over 2 years old and has been used/abused a fair bit a new mech is probably not a bad idea anyway.

 

[steve_sordy]

...............All Shimnao products are covered by 2 years warranty................

It is so nice to discover somebody else that spells Shimano as Shimnao.

It just flies off my keyboard like that, I always have to go back and correct it.

 

[RickBullotta]

Maybe. I cracked mine open thinking it just needed lube/cleaning and the metal surfaces were corroded and damaged beyond repair. Pop the cover and you'll know right away if it is cleanable/salvageable. Hopefully it is!

 

[Gary]

My typing is so clumsy a lot of my autocorrect defaults are incorrect spellings

Shim NAO would be contender for my suspension tuning company name if I ever got round to doing something so productive

 

[geehaw]

I agree. but only because it's rarely worth the labour to strip and rebuild them
All Shimnao products are covered by 2 years warranty.
If the clutch goes sticky in that time it's a no brainer to just warranty it.
if it's over 2 years old and has been used/abused a fair bit a new mech is probably not a bad idea anyway.

Understand that but its just sticking when clutch is engaged, don't think it failed. For me its a 160km round trip so $25 in fuel and two hrs travel time. Lubing clutch appears to be a 15min job and doesn't require R&R which I believe the bike shop would try first prior to replacing the mech so I might as well try that first. Bike is less than a year old but has 1500km and about 90hrs on it. Been well used but well maintained.

 

[Gary]

Sorry. Gee. I was simply replying to Steve from a personal/professional perspective.
Yeah. go ahead and lube yours.

 

[geehaw]

Sorry. Gee. I was simply replying to Steve from a personal/professional perspective.
Yeah. go ahead and lube yours.

Maybe. I cracked mine open thinking it just needed lube/cleaning and the metal surfaces were corroded and damaged beyond repair. Pop the cover and you'll know right away if it is cleanable/salvageable. Hopefully it is!

Decided I'd just use white grease for now. Yep looked like crap but cleaned up ok and working as it should. Going to let the bike shop know and if there are any issue will get a warranty replacement. Picture prior to cleaning attached.

 

[geehaw]

Update. Sent a note to Shimano. They advised Shimano Grease for Shadow RD+ Rear Derailleur Y04121000 is not available in AU and to just to use their premium grease (the green stuff) so all good. Thanks to all for their input.

 

[E-Bandit]

Yeah my clutch does that, got replaced and still let’s wager in , best to stay on top of re greasing and cleaning it