Indexing problem with 2004 SRAM X.9 Derailleur and Shifters

[knucklebuste]

All new shite. Can't figure it out. SRAM X.9 derailleur (long) and SRAM X.9 Shifters, PC99 chain and SRAM powerglide 7.0 11-32 Cassette. I have the H and L stops set correctly. If I adjust the Trigger Barrel adjuster I can get either the Top 4 (32 and 5 down) to up and downshift smoothly, but when it gets to the last 4, they jump all over the place. The cable is plenty tight, so I put the chain in the smallest cog (11T) and adjust again and the bottom 5 shift smoothly and the when I get to the larger one, (3rd from largest and upshift, it skips #2 and goes directly to the largest one. All the while the cable is taught and not loose at all. I can't figure this out and I'm ready to dump the SRAM stuff and go back to XTR components. HELP, I'm ready to SNAP. I've spent 6 hours on this so far and I'm ready to smash the SRAM stuff and go back to Shimano (which I don't want to do).
I love the SRAM trigger shifters and I'm not ready to start flamming SRAM yet. Any help is appreciated. Knuck

[Tim]

Don't know if you've done what I did, but last week I was putting new shifters on my daughter's bike and I mistakenly attached the cable to the wrong side of the anchor bolt. It had exactly the symptoms you describe -- OK on 1/2 the cogs, a mess on the other.

Tim

[knucklebuste]

Thanks Tim, I think you might be right, as I diddn't like the way the cable attached to the bolt. It diddn't look as if it was in a straight line to where the cable came out of the housing. DAMN IT, DAMN IT, DAMN IT. 2 hours wasted trying to fix that. Well, thanks for the solution. Not positive, but I think you got it man. Thanks for saving me a trip to the shop. Knuck

[Tim]

If it makes you feel any better, I burned about 2 hours myself before the light dawned.

Nice bike anyway.

Tim

[knucklebuste]

Spent another 2 hours on it last night. Had the cable anchor bolt correct after all. I have no idea what is wrong. I though SRAM was going to be ok, but I can't figure it out. I was going to bring it to the bike shop, but I give up. I'm ditching the SRAM stuff and buying XTR stuff today. Look in the for sale section for brand new X.9 trigger shifters and X.9 Derailleur and cassette later today.
Knuckle

[C.P.]

Seems like it should work to me - as it's all 1:1 ratio SRAM stuff - right? It sounds like you've covered the most important things - here are some other things to check.

-Chainline & chain length. especially with that MRP setup.
- B adjust screw setting on rear der.
- cable tension in all gears (prestretch the shift cable too)

I am willing to help you with this if you want IM me if you want the help - I think the SRAM stuff you have is worth keeping.

C.P.

[Tim]

At some point you've got to start thinking derailleur hanger alignment too -- how about trying one of those spares they sent along? I agree with CP -- don't give up on the SRAM yet. It's probably something simple.

Tim

[Mt.A TODD]

GIVE UP! I want to buy your Sram crap!

[gungywump]

Try tightening the d-tent. screw if the pulleys are riding on the cogs.

Otherwise, I'll give you $25 for the SRAM stuff. :)

[knucklebuste]

I've read the directions, measured everything, set the b screw correctly, the chainline is fine. I've spent 6 hours so far.

DONE

Getting XTR stuff later today

Knuck (the phucking idiot)

SHIMANO!
SHIMANO!
SHIMANO!

[gungywump]

I've read the directions, measured everything, set the b screw correctly, the chainline is fine. I've spent 6 hours so far.

DONE

Getting XTR stuff later today

Knuck (the phucking idiot)


When the going get's tough, Knuck gets out the credit card!

My offer stands . . . $25! ;)

[knucklebuste]

Well, called up Landrys bicycle about XTR stuff, the dud said I was nuts for losing the SRAM stuff. He swears by it. He said he guarantees he can get the shite to work and I'll be amazed by the performance. No credit cards either. Everything is paid for in CASHOLA. That's why I can buy bikes caus no credit card company is making a frickn cent off this kid. I was an idiot once with cc's and 60k of debt. Paid that off and now it's cash. Don't have the cash, don't make the purchase.
Knuck

[gungywump]

Well, called up Landrys bicycle about XTR stuff, the dud said I was nuts for losing the SRAM stuff. He swears by it. He said he guarantees he can get the shite to work and I'll be amazed by the performance. No credit cards either. Everything is paid for in CASHOLA. That's why I can buy bikes caus no credit card company is making a frickn cent off this kid. I was an idiot once with cc's and 60k of debt. Paid that off and now it's cash. Don't have the cash, don't make the purchase.
Knuck


My philosophy exactly!

If you can't pay cash, you can't afford it!

[CouchingTiger]

I'll give ya $30 for that worthless SRAM crap ;)

-Couch

[knucklebuste]

Problem solved. 50 of the 5,000,000 X9 Trigger shifters had the wrong grease in them. Of course I got #34. Chris at Landrys in Westboro was banging his head trying to figure it out. Called SRAM and they provided the fix. GREASE. WTF?
Knuck

[BrianK]

I just when 9 speed using SRAM 9.0 short shifters, 9.0 11-32 rear cassette, and PC99 chain and 9.0 derailluer.

I had similar problems with indexing and had a bitch of a time getting it right.

The bolt from the derailluer was actually protruding through the hanger and I had to put a thick washer on there to prevent that. That was screwing up my indexing, it was hitting the chain in 9th and I have the low limit screw maxed out and the der. arm would still hit the spokes. The washer solved most of my problems, but I think this is because I have a cheapo Specialized Hardrock frame which came with a seven speed drivetrain.

Interesting that you had a grease problem though.

-BrianK