STI lever overhaul

[kukamunga]

Picked up my first ever pair of STI levers/ 'brifters' - Shimano 105 - today (yes.... off hard rubbish! ) Just wondering how serviceable these things are? Mine appear to need some work, so before pulling them apart and having small parts springing through the air , thought I'd see if any one here can point me in the right direction - online service manuals, personal experience etc. Cheers

EDIT/PS: Earlier, non-flight deck compatible, pre-'98 model, 8 speed - I think (& hope)!

[sogood]

For Shimano units, it's essentially unserviceable. But I read some really really dedicated people have done it.

[kukamunga]

For Shimano units, it's essentially unserviceable. But I read some really really dedicated people have done it.

I can be really really dedicated (when I commit myself..... and feel enthusiastic..... and keen). Really.....

[Bnej]

STI shifters are a tightly packed nest of springs, ratchets, pawls and washers. They aren't designed to be user serviceable, though if you got them for free it wouldn't do any harm to have a go.

I have seen some 90s STI shifters come good with just a bit of spray lube and cycling the shifters a lot of times. If they're just gummed up this might be all you need to do.

[kukamunga]

I have seen some 90s STI shifters come good with just a bit of spray lube and cycling the shifters a lot of times. If they're just gummed up this might be all you need to do.

Yep. This has worked often for me with my MTB shifters.

The left brake lever spring doesn't seems to be returning lever, but pushing it away (if that makes sense). This seems safe enough to pull apart. Maybe someone has already fiddled with it.....

[tallywhacker]

it is possible. I serviced my old 105s. You have to do it really, really carefully as bits do literally fly across the room. PM me with your email address and I'll send you a PDF that has some details. Its for the ST-5600 & ST-R700 shifters.

[kukamunga]

it is possible. I serviced my old 105s. You have to do it really, really carefully as bits do literally fly across the room. PM me with your email address and I'll send you a PDF that has some details. Its for the ST-5600 & ST-R700 shifters.

Thanks tal. Mine are ST-1055, I tink

[Pushy]

This might help.

[LuckyPierre]

I've been told that they 'explode' if you attemp to fiddle with them - but anything goes really. My lbs tried spraying to free up some 9-speed 105 shifters for me, with limited success.
As they came from the hard rubbish, it's probably worth a try - just be very careful, very patient, and very particular about keeping track of what goes where.

[familyguy]

BikeSnob answered this one a while ago:

Linky

Pay attention to the diagrams in the "How can I overhaul my Shimano STI/Campagnolo Ergopower levers?"

Jim

[LuckyPierre]

Sucked me in!

[MountGower]

Look at the second post of page two here. Not sure I could be bothered with this.

[kukamunga]

[Parrott]

Yeah, I'd say go with the spray lube.

[kukamunga]

...or more fish oil for improved brain function!!!

[Parrott]

[LuckyPierre]

I suppose that's kind of the 'before' shot - now where's the 'after' one.

[kukamunga]

I suppose that's kind of the 'before' shot - now where's the 'after' one.

Just picture a single-speed bicycle for the 'after' shot!