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How to remove the bike rear derailleur ?

Rear derailleurs have been known to give even experienced bike mechanics headaches at times. They do double-duty: keeping the chain under tension and guiding it back and forth between the cogs as the rider shifts. Slight changes in tension of the cable to which the derailleur is attached can cause shifting to become out of whack. Just as with the front derailleur, you can improve its functioning and longevity if you keep it clean, lubricated, and adjusted as needed.

To remove your rear derailleur, follow these instructions:

1. Shift the rear derailleur to the smallest cog.

2. Using an Allen wrench or box wrench, loosen the bolt that’s holding the cable in place. Note that if you don’t shift the rear derailleur to the smallest cog, it could spring back at you because it’s under tension from the cable.

3. Use an Allen wrench or box wrench to remove the bolt that is holding bottom jockey wheel in place. Spray some lubricant on the jockey wheel if the bolt will not budge.

4. After the bolt is removed, lift out the jockey wheel.

5. Use an Allen wrench or box wrench (as shown in Figure 14-3) and reach around the derailleur to loosen the bolt that holds the top jockey wheel in place.

6. After the bolt is loose, you should be able to separate the cage.

7. With the cage separated, lift the chain off the top jockey wheel and away from the derailleur. Rest the chain on one of the cogs, letting the slack hang down.

8. Use an Allen wrench to remove the pivot bolt, which will allow you to remove the derailleur.

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