Shimano SLX 12 Speed mech showing a lot of play in jockey wheels and mech itself – have checked bolts everything is tight.
Are these mechs supposed to have play?
Bike has Shimano EP8 Motor – could it be related to that?
Is it normal to have this much play in mech after 400 miles of EMTB?
byu/CoolBalls22 inbikewrench
by CoolBalls22
8 Comments
Play in the lower pulley wheel is definitely not normal, I would take it off and inspect for wear. It might just be dirt combined with the electric motor causing that. Just to be sure, are the screws that hold the pulley wheels tight? They might have come loose.
It’s normal in that parts wear, but they still need replacing. Jockey wheels are cheap plastic you can buy nicer ones with bearings in if you want.
The play in your actual mech is possibly just because you don’t have the wheel fitted. The axle assembly holds the whole lot tight together.
The jockey wheels specifically are loose
I had this much play in the jokeys after 2k🤣 Just get new jokeys
Cheap components?
These jockey wheels seem to be with bushings and not bearings. You also seem to have a lot of mud. Take them off clean them and put them back. See how it is then and happy riding!
No, not that much especially the tension pulley. The guide pulley has play but still shouldn’t be that much.
You need to clean it thoroughly and put it back together and if there are still as much play as shown in the video for both, replace them.
That’s more play than I’ve seen in most. eMTBs go fast in foul conditions, increasing wear. How long they last is like describing how long a piece of string, details really change the answer.
I’d say those are worn out, though. Stakes are low if you keep riding them, shifting performance might suffer if the upper wheel has similar issues.
SLX jockey wheels use a journal bearing/ bushing. If you replace these, suggest getting the XT version. They’re about $20 and come with proper deep groove ball bearings with rubber seals.