derailleur hanger alignment tool

[Christopher Brunsdon]

 

I'm of the opinion that if it's a once in a while job' date=' the LBS can do it. Same reason I don't own a headset press or a BB shell facing tool, it's just not worth it for the amount of use it'll get. [/quote']

 

If it where just my bike and I did not use it for commuting every day then the LBS would be worth it.

 

But since I'm going to be getting a 2nd bike for the wife and my little monster will be big enough soon to cycle himself, then the economics of owning such a tool is no problem.

 

As mentioned there is another brand which costs R300 but CRC do not stock it - another UK online store can ship to me for R300 ex VAT / import. Tempted to go that route first.

 

But anyway, found some square tubing in the garage this morning and going to try an make my own "ghetto hanger alignment tool". Will update on results.

 

[Super_mil]

So what was JB's advice?

 

 

 

When you have a ghetto tool up and running, won't you please post some pics

[Christopher Brunsdon]

Must still PM JB. But will post some pics once I'm done.

[Matchstix]

the one for R300 seems worth it perosnally

You wont be able to make one thats going to work well for less.

I have also tried to make one by using an old derailluers bolt

 

[Christopher Brunsdon]

 

the one for R300 seems worth it perosnally

You wont be able to make one thats going to work well for less.

I have also tried to make one by using an old derailluers bolt

 

 

Agree just pay day is only next week still. Just need to get the correctly threaded bolt to make my ghetto version - thats the only cost for me.

 

[brussel]

cbrundson I bought a hanger for my anthem x sometime back for R55 - you've got to break a lot of them to make up to R1000!!

[Christopher Brunsdon]

 

cbrundson I bought a hanger for my anthem x sometime back for R55 - you've got to break a lot of them to make up to R1000!!

 

For me its not just about replacement but also alignment. Its the same about dishing tools if you run disks.

 

It just runs better and puts less stress on your parts.

 

(That and the fact I love cool/odd looking tools. Any excuse to get a tool is always welcome)

 

[Matchstix]

easiest to get that bolt is an old derailluer. . . hoendertande

[Super_mil]

I tried to follow the method detailed below, from http://www.utahmountainbiking.com/.

 

 

 

I never found the fine-pitch 10mm bolt, although to be honest I only gave it one go. Ended up buying a new one for R300. I have kept the old bent one in the hopes that one day I'll fix it and have a spare.

 

 

 

Straightening the Derailleur Hanger

 

It's pretty easy to bend the derailleur hanger when you fall over to the right side. The derailleur hanger is the thing that sticks down behind the right dropout (rear wheel axle slot in the frame) to attach the rear derailleur. On some bikes, it's part of the frame. On most upper-end bikes, it's a separate piece of metal, designed to be replaced if it's damaged. (Even if the hanger is a separate piece of metal, you can use this technique to correct a minor warp. But, my suggestion is that you always have a replacement hanger available.)

 

A bent derailleur hanger can make the chain jump between rear cogs, can create "chain suck" on the front chainrings, or will make the chain jump off the front chainrings when backpedaling.

 

 

 

Using a hex wrench, unscrew the derailleur mounting bolt from the derailleur hanger. Leave the chain in place on the derailleur, letting the derailleur fall away from the hanger.

 

 

 

Turn a 10 mm, FINE-PITCH thread bolt all the way into the derailleur hanger. (You can find a bolt like this at a hardware store. The longer the bolt is, the better it will work. Just make sure you get the fine-pitch thread, not standard thread.)

 

 

 

Grasp the bolt with your hand, or a wrench. Using the leverage at the end of the bolt, tweak the derailleur hanger until it appears straight.

 

 

 

Check the straightness of the hanger by confirming that it's 90 degrees from the main "plane" of the bike. Holding a carpenter's square against a 6-inch bolt, the square should parallel a string between the middle of the headset tube and the midpoint between the dropouts for the rear wheel.

 

 

 

Now replace the derailleur. Twist it up and back (clockwise) from its usual position, so the tensioning screw is clear of the hanger, then tighten the hex bolt.

[droo]

The tool is waaaay easier than that, but you have to remember to use the same point on your wheel to align with unless your back wheel's perfectly true.

[Peach.]

you can only straighten a hanger 2 or 3 times before it snaps, 1K is ALOT to spend on a tool.

Will you really notice if it is 1 degree out

 

[dirtrider]

Currently I got 5 mtb and 2 road bikes . I have never bend a derailure on anyone of them to such an extent that it mess my shifting up , I have broken a few though . That is why I find it very strange that a lot of people on this site seems to have problems with bend derailures . It must be cause I only use Shimano DT's ?

[Li Mu Bai]

 

Ive bent 3 hangers thru good proper wipe-outs - found it almost impossible to straighten completely and it is a bike specific hanger. Shifting is definitely affected by a bent hanger.

 

I dont understand the alignment thing though.

A new hanger = Straight. you screw it to the frame and screw on the derailleur.

what needs to be aligned?

 

Rude2009-08-21 06:11:29

[bored girl]

SAA bent mine for me. I was in a state of panic when I arrived in Knysna 2 yrs back and couldn't put my wheel on. On my return to JHB, I took it to a shop and they bent it back to normal. I also purchased a new one at the same time just in case....was R100 back then and I am still using it.

[Christopher Brunsdon]

 

Ive bent 3 hangers thru good proper wipe-outs - found it almost impossible to straighten completely and it is a bike specific hanger. Shifting is definitely affected by a bent hanger.

 

I dont understand the alignment thing though.

A new hanger = Straight. you screw it to the frame and screw on the derailleur.

what needs to be aligned?

 

 

The hanger needs to be aligned both vertically and horizontally to make sure your chain line is correct. While screwing on a new hanger might get your chain line nearly correct it chances are slim it will be 100%.

 

I doubt one would feel the difference between a 95% or 100% correct chain line, but if ones frame was also slightly bent then I'm sure it would make a massive difference.

 

[Christopher Brunsdon]

 

SAA bent mine for me. I was in a state of panic when I arrived in Knysna 2 yrs back and couldn't put my wheel on. On my return to JHB' date=' I took it to a shop and they bent it back to normal. I also purchased a new one at the same time just in case....was R100 back then and I am still using it.[/quote']

 

Must say that I must get a new one too and rather fit that and keep my current one as a spare. Would not want to bend mine 20km from my car while I riding solo on a trail.