Shimano 600 5/6 Speed Gear Shift Levers - ISSUES!!

[Mr Weirdo]

Hello

I have a set of the above levers on my down tube and the left lever which is the friction one will not change the small chain ring to the larger one and vice et versa. I had just picked it up from my LBS and was informed there was no click on the left hand side lever(?) Not sure what they meant as its friction but the lever goes all the way back and loosens the cable enough for it to droop considerably. When I bring the lever towards myself nothing happens, no movement occurs to alter the choice of chain ring desired. I hope this makes sense?

Also as its an index system should the change from gear to gear be smooth or should I expect a bit of "rumbling" between some changes?

Feeling very frustrated by it all...

If anyone can offer some advice it would be appreciated as usual.

Many thanks

 

[Jonny69]

Is the lever actually moving the front derailleur at all? Lever towards you should move the derailleur toward the bigger ring.

If it's indexed, the left lever should click into two positions. right hand lever should click into 5 or 6 positions. Gear changes won't be any less rumbly than a non-indexed system, you just won't have to think about what position to move the lever to.

 

[Mr Weirdo]

Hello J69

Thanks for the reply. It initially did move the chain onto the smaller chain ring but now it wont move it back, there is no movement of any kind. If there are meant to be two clicks on the left lever there are none so maybe I can assume it does not work. I bought if off ebay recently. I thought the left was friction and the right index?

When I did use the right lever some of the changes were very smooth but a couple were not. So I clicked again and that appeared to work. But in that no mans land, the only way I can describe it as a rumbling noise.

Many thanks.
.

 

[Mr Weirdo]

Sorry I read your answer again...I don't believe the FD moved at all...sorry cant recheck as bicycle not with me.

 

[pigman]

If it's standard Shimano STI, there will be no indexing on the left lever/front mech. It's just free flow.

It's hard to diagnose the problem without seeing it in action

 

[Mr Weirdo]

I think I will try another bicycle shop...I did think it would be a bit tricky to diagnose without pictures but thought I would give it a go...thank you pigman

 

[Jonny69]

If it's standard Shimano STI, there will be no indexing on the left lever/front mech. It's just free flow.

Some are and some aren’t. My 6-speed Exage levers from that era are indexed on the left-hand lever. I think you can turn the centre round 180° and switch between indexed and non-indexed but I’ve never done it. The left-hand lever on my 10-speed Dura Ace ones isn’t indexed at all afaik.

 

[Jonny69]

I think it’s worth having another look at what’s going on. Check the cable hasn’t slipped out the derailleur, it’s in its guide under the bottom bracket and that it’s actually pulling on the derailleur. If the derailleur moves across to the bigger ring when you pull the lever towards you, but doesn’t go back, I think it could be one of three things:
1) the derailleur is seized up and needs freeing off
2) the derailleur return spring is jammed or broken
3) the ‘low’ or ‘high’ position adjustment screws are too far in and are preventing the derailleur moving.

 

[legrandefromage]

I don't know of any shimano SIS levers that index on the front mech. But they all just about have a 'click' to let you know that it's centred and ready to fit

 

[Mr Weirdo]

I think it’s worth having another look at what’s going on. Check the cable hasn’t slipped out the derailleur, it’s in its guide under the bottom bracket and that it’s actually pulling on the derailleur. If the derailleur moves across to the bigger ring when you pull the lever towards you, but doesn’t go back, I think it could be one of three things:
1) the derailleur is seized up and needs freeing off
2) the derailleur return spring is jammed or broken
3) the ‘low’ or ‘high’ position adjustment screws are too far in and are preventing the derailleur moving.

Thank you