Comments on: How To Overhaul a Jockey Wheel

By: roger levy

roger levy — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 19:37:44 +0000

Often folks remove their chains to clean them, but the experts say that you should use a chain cleaning machine and do it while still on the bike to avoid the remote possibility (heavy sarcasm) of putting the chain together wrong. For example, most Shimano chains can not be re joined without a three dollar re joining pin. I have used the Finish Line machine and the Park. Both are good. The FL has a upturned right hand exit portal so the juices are less likely to flow out of it, thanks to gravity.

By: Alex

Alex — Thu, 13 May 2010 15:37:24 +0000

Hi Dave,

Your jockey wheel bearings are sealed so there should be no need to overhaul them if they feel ok. I’ll do a video on how to replace these in the future!

By: Dave D

Dave D — Thu, 13 May 2010 05:41:34 +0000

Hey Alex, yet another great video. My question is, I have an XTR rear 9 speed mountain bike derailer, and when I removed my jockey wheels to overhaul them, i could not get the middle pieces out. It states right on the jockey wheel “SEALED BEARINGS”. So does this mean that I can not get them apart or not supposed to be taking them apart? Your video was great and I was all excited to do this simple service, but it turned sour when I took off the wheels and couldn’t do anything further. Thanks. ( i just gave them a good cleaning and they appear to be smooth, but they’ve never been overhauled or given much attention in almost 8 years. Teeth not worn either.)

By: Kevin Barrett

Kevin Barrett — Thu, 06 May 2010 08:26:28 +0000

Alex is the one who runs the site Carsten, his videos man, I’m just an appreciative cyclist ……

By: Carsten

Carsten — Mon, 03 May 2010 15:42:12 +0000

Hi Kevin

Good vid. All the necessary details without the vid being hours long.

Any good suggestions on sites where they sell the jockey wheel bolts? Think I’ve looked about everywhere

Thanks

By: Alex

Alex — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:47:00 +0000

Hi Kevin,

I’ve never used GT85 but after reading the description on their site it looks like it would work fine as a cleaner for your jockey wheels. I would still use grease for lubrication.

By: Kevin Barrett

Kevin Barrett — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 16:18:43 +0000

Enjoyed the video on jockey wheels but wondering what you meant by ‘cleaning solvent’ to clean them. Mine are due to be overhauled and do need a clean, will something like GT85 be adequate or not? Thanks …..

By: j beede

j beede — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 18:29:39 +0000

Of course it is way easier to service the pulleys with the chain off the bike. Clean your chain while it is off the bike too. Getting the chain to run as smoothly after opening and re-closing it is a risk factor in my experience. As the pulleys are in the dirtiest part of the typical road bike, I think frequent service is a good idea. I am always amazed at how dirty my “sealed” Shimano pulleys are — on the inside. If your drive train squeaks, clicks or groans cleaning your chain and pulleys is a good place to start. I clean mine with Simple Green, rinse with water, dry, then use Tri-Flo as a re-assembly lube.

By: Alex

Alex — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 17:48:56 +0000

Hey Bill,

Yes, you should be able to find replacement jockey wheels. Take your derailleur down to your local bike shop or post some photos in the forums so we can help you find one.

By: Bill

Bill — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 17:08:12 +0000

Hi Alex,
Very nice!!!!!! Per say I came across a crack in one of the jockey wheels, but the derailler is in excellent condition. Are the jockey wheels something that is available to replace or would it require a purchase of a complete rear derailler?