I’m having issues with my gears slipping and not shifting properly. This is a 1999 trek 4000, should I replace the sprocket, cassette and chain due to wear and corrosion?
by Ok_Attitude1226
I’m having issues with my gears slipping and not shifting properly. This is a 1999 trek 4000, should I replace the sprocket, cassette and chain due to wear and corrosion?
by Ok_Attitude1226
8 Comments
Definitely a new chain, and almost definitely a new cassette.
You could if the condition is bothering you. It’s probably more likely that the derailleurs just need adjustment to stop the slipping.
I think the last time it saw a lick of oil was 1999 lol.
Clean it well then apply fresh oil and replace the chain with a matching one.
The rust is not really a problem. If the chain is skipping it’s usually a sign things are really badly worn out, but it could also be the adjustment of the (rear) derailleur, e.g., the b-screw being too loose.
It’s hard to tell from a picture how worn things are. I would recommend you to get a chain checker (or alternatively check with a ruler) to see how worn the chain is. If it’s worn out, replace it, if it still skips, replace the cassette, if it still skips then, replace the chainrings. If it’s *really* worn out then you go straight to replacing the cassette.
Thank you all for the comments, I will start with the chain and go from there.
The chain is rusty as hell and should be replaced, and the cassette and crank might also need to be replaced but you can’t tell by looking at them. When you say slipping, do you mean that when you pedal, the chain skips? Or do you mean that it tries to shift into a gear that you didn’t try to shift into?
If it’s the first one, it’s probably because of chain wear. If it’s the second, your derailleur needs to be tuned.
Is that chain the original from 1999?
I’d start with a good cleaning and some fresh lube…. there’s a literal cobweb on your chainring.
Grab a chain checker or just replace the chain outright and use that as a starting point. If the chain seems to be getting stuck to the chainrings (chain suck) or it tries hopping up and out of the teeth, then you need new chainrings. Or in this case, an entire crankset since I think those chainrings are permanently attached to the crank. Given that they are steal, there’s a good chance they are fine.
If a new chain or a chain that’s measured for minimal wear is slipping in the cassette, then replace the cassette.
Personally, I’d just swap it all out and not even mess around. Eight speed parts are relatively cheap to replace and you could lose some weight getting a crankset with aluminum chainrings…