SRAM XX RD Problem

[jatho]

On the last couple of MTB rides, my mate's XX RD is dropping the chain of the bottom tension pulley and it gets caught between the cage and pulley, on Sunday on a 2.5 hour ride it must have happened about 5 times, I'm also running XX RD and haven't yet had this problem but the RD is still new so I'm guessing when I get a bit of wear I'm gonna have the same problem, I recall this issue being mentioned on thehub a while ago so it seems its a common issue with this RD, I Googled it and there are a couple of suggestions on how to fix it.

 

The first one is to replace the jockey wheels with aftermarket ones like KCNC, AEST etc..., the XX wheels are apparently quite thin so there is a bit of play on the chain over bumps which edges the chain off the jockey wheels, I'm going to give him a set of wheels to install and we'll test on the night ride on Wednesday and report back.

 

the other fix which I guess would be a last resort is to put some epoxy on the inside of the cage next to where the chain runs so that it acts as a chain guide and keeps the chain from jumping off, by the look of it the chain has worn the cage quite a bit so it's only going to get worse and changing the jockey wheels might not be enough, in his case its probably worth doing the epoxy and wheels.

 

I cant vouch for these fixes yet but will post some feedback once we've tried it, I'm posting this really to see if anyone else has come across a fix or perhaps if this does work then you know what to do to get yours sorted.

 

I'd be interested in the comments about this.

[Guest Karma]

I have the same problem, replaced my XX wheel with an old X9 wheel, but same problem.

Broke the back part of the cage yesterday so will throw the rubbish in the bin as soon as my Shimano arrives.

 

It is sad that a R2500+ piece of equipment needs additional changes to function properly.

Never had this issue with my previous R900 XT M786 RD.

 

Shimano FTW.

Edited August 19, 2013 by Karma

[Bike Mob]

Never had this problem in hundreds of Kays.

 

Chain length correct?

[madmarc]

What gear does it do it in.

 

It could be a misaligned cage or worn teeth on the pulley. I would try KCNC pulleys first XX is just far to expensive

[Skylark]

Common problem with some versions of the XX RD , as mentioned bloody pathetic for such a basic issue to happen on a R2500 top of the line RD.

Makes you wonder wtf!!!

[Sitting slip]

built up a bike from old parts and the same thing is happening. think maybe shortening the chain a bit could help? or just get kcnc? or xact?

[jatho]

Never had this problem in hundreds of Kays.

 

Chain length correct?

Chain length should be fine, if it were a chain length issue he would have had these issues from the start which wasn't the case.

[jatho]

I'll have a close look at the RD and check the chain length, misaligned cage etc... when we fit the pulleys but I've got them laying around and its a quick enough replacement so worth doing anyway and checking the outcome.

[Guest Karma]

I'll have a close look at the RD and check the chain length, misaligned cage etc... when we fit the pulleys but I've got them laying around and its a quick enough replacement so worth doing anyway and checking the outcome.

 

check the manufacturer...if it doesn't say Shimano, replace.

[jatho]

check the manufacturer...if it doesn't say Shimano, replace.

Now why didn't I think of that? I'll tell him to bomb the RD and Shifter and shell out a couple of grand for replacement Shimano parts

[Guest CHRIS001]

Good day

There can be the following problems why the rear der does it.

 

Chain warn the wheels out more on one side the the other

Bearing cage gets stuck when pedaling

Pullyes are touching the side off the cage, to much play on them.

 

Best to use is xo pullyes and put littel bit of grease on the bolt it runs on.

Best performance on shifting and smooth rolling over cassette and pulleys are Shimano XT chain .

[Guest Karma]

Now why didn't I think of that? I'll tell him to bomb the RD and Shifter and shell out a couple of grand for replacement Shimano parts

 

I had to do that this morning, and worth it.

 

Price of a new XX RD = R2500 (plus/minus)

Price of L+R XT Shifters AND XT Shadow+ RD = R2200.

 

Logic.

[madmarc]

You'll get a lot more satisfaction from fixing the cause of the problem instead of replacing it with some Massmart product

[Jewbacca]

And if you like stats and scientific research and feel you want to maximise every cm you should fit 13 teeth jockey wheels...

 

Less resistance, greater efficiency.

 

(Useless facts like this are quite fun and easy to get hold of! Who finances these research projects! hahaha)

[Jewbacca]

Or, my real advice would be to get rid of your gears and ride a real bike but I always get rude responses!

[EZRider]

You'll get a lot more satisfaction from fixing the cause of the problem instead of replacing it with some Massmart product

 

Problem is: if you aren't riding Sh1tmano you are going to be walking sooner and later...