The Shimano Acera rear derailleur is a great choice for those looking for a reliable and affordable drivetrain component. It's also a great way to upgrade from an older, more basic derailleur. Adjusting the rear derailleur on a Shimano Acera is a simple process, but it's important to understand the process and the components involved before attempting to make any adjustments. The following guide will walk you through the steps to ensure you have a perfectly adjusted Shimano Acera rear derailleur.
Tools Needed for Adjustment
Before you begin adjusting your Shimano Acera rear derailleur, make sure you have the necessary tools. You'll need a flathead screwdriver, a pair of needle-nose pliers, and a set of Shimano-specific tools, such as the Shimano TL-RD10 tool. The TL-RD10 is designed specifically for adjusting Shimano rear derailleurs and is a must for any home mechanic.
Step 1: Setting the High and Low Gears
The first step in adjusting your Shimano Acera rear derailleur is to set the high and low gears. This is done by loosening the two limit screws on the derailleur. To do this, turn the screwdriver counterclockwise until the limit screws are loose. Once the screws are loose, you can adjust the limit screws to set the high and low gear limits. To do this, use the tension adjuster on the derailleur, and adjust it until the chain is running in the desired gears.
Step 2: Adjusting the B-Tension Screw
Once the high and low gear limits are set, it's time to adjust the B-tension screw. This screw is located on the back of the derailleur and is used to adjust the tension of the chain. To adjust the B-tension screw, turn it counterclockwise until the chain is slightly loose. Once the chain is slightly loose, you can adjust the B-tension screw until the chain is running in the desired gear.
Step 3: Adjusting the Cable Tension
The next step in adjusting your Shimano Acera rear derailleur is to adjust the cable tension. This is done by using the barrel adjuster on the derailleur. To adjust the cable tension, turn the barrel adjuster counterclockwise until the cable is slightly loose. Once the cable is slightly loose, you can adjust the barrel adjuster until the desired gear is achieved.
Step 4: Adjusting the Indexing
Once the cable tension and B-tension are set, it's time to adjust the indexing. This is done by adjusting the index adjustment screw on the derailleur. To do this, use the screwdriver to turn the screw counterclockwise until the desired gear is achieved. Once the desired gear is achieved, the index adjustment screw can be tightened until it is snug.
Step 5: Final Adjustments
Once the index adjustment screw is adjusted, it's time to make any final adjustments. This includes checking to make sure the chain is running smoothly and that the derailleur is not rubbing against any of the other components. If any rubbing is found, adjust the limit screws or cable tension as necessary. Once everything is running smoothly, your Shimano Acera rear derailleur is ready to go!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What tools do I need to adjust my Shimano Acera rear derailleur?
A: You will need a flathead screwdriver, a pair of needle-nose pliers, and a set of Shimano-specific tools, such as the Shimano TL-RD10 tool.
Q2: How do I adjust the limit screws on the Shimano Acera rear derailleur?
A: To adjust the limit screws, turn the screwdriver counterclockwise until the limit screws are loose. Once loose, use the tension adjuster on the derailleur to set the high and low gear limits.
Q3: How do I adjust the B-tension screw on the Shimano Acera rear derailleur?
A: To adjust the B-tension screw, turn it counterclockwise until the chain is slightly loose. Once the chain is slightly loose, you can adjust the B-tension screw until the desired gear is achieved.
Q4: How do I adjust the cable tension on the Shimano Acera rear derailleur?
A: To adjust the cable tension, turn the barrel adjuster counterclockwise until the cable is slightly loose. Once the cable is slightly loose, you can adjust the barrel adjuster until the desired gear is achieved.
Q5: How do I adjust the indexing on the Shimano Acera rear derailleur?
A: To adjust the indexing, use the screwdriver to turn the index adjustment screw counterclockwise until the desired gear is achieved. Once the desired gear is achieved, the index adjustment screw can be tightened until it is snug.
Q6: What should I do if the Shimano Acera rear derailleur is rubbing against other components?
A: If any rubbing is found, adjust the limit screws or cable tension as necessary.
Q7: How do I know when my Shimano Acera rear derailleur is properly adjusted?
A: When your Shimano Acera rear derailleur is properly adjusted, the chain should be running smoothly and all components should be free from rubbing.
Q8: What should I do if I'm having difficulty adjusting my Shimano Acera rear derailleur?
A: If you're having difficulty adjusting your Shimano Acera rear derailleur, it may be helpful to consult a professional bike mechanic. They can help you ensure that your derailleur is properly adjusted.
Q9: Do I need to use Shimano-specific tools to adjust my Shimano Acera rear derailleur?
A: While it isn't absolutely necessary to use Shimano-specific tools to adjust your Shimano Acera rear derailleur, it can make the process easier and ensure that your derailleur is properly adjusted.
Q10: How often should I adjust my Shimano Acera rear derailleur?
A: It's a good idea to check and adjust your Shimano Acera rear derailleur at least twice a year, or more often if you're a frequent rider.