If your old Shimano jockey wheels are worn or broken they can make an unpleasant noise and may affect gear shifting. In the worst-case scenario, they can even damage your derailleur. Shimano jockey wheels which way round do they go? When replacing pulleys you need to make sure that the new ones are compatible with your derailleur and that they are fitted correctly. In this article, we will explain which jockey wheel is the guide pulley and which is the tension pulley, which way round they go, and how to fit them.
Rear derailleurs come with two jockey wheels.
Some of them differ from each other, while others may look the same.
Shimano jockey wheels which way round do they go?
Although a lot of Shimano top and bottom jockey wheels look alike, each Shimano jockey wheel will have information engraved or imprinted on the side of the pulley.
The bottom jockey wheel will be marked T-pulley or “tension pulley”.
The top jockey wheel will be marked G-pulley or “guide pulley”.
Look at your pulley. If it has an arrow then this needs to point clockwise. If there is no arrow then put it in the same way round as the old one. If both sides look the same then it doesn’t matter.
Look at your pulley. If it looks different on each side then refit the new pulley the same way as the old one. If both sides look identical then it doesn’t matter.
Shimano jockey wheels replacement – tools required
- Small allen key. Usually 2.5mm or 3mm. This is used to undo and tighten pulley bolts.
- Chain extractor tool or master link pliers. You will need it to remove the chain from the rear derailleur
- 15mm spanner or 5/6 mm allen key. This tool might be useful when removing the wheel.
Preparation
- First, make sure you have compatible replacement jockey wheels. We suggest using like-for-like replacement as this will ensure that the shifting quality is equal to the original.
If you’re not sure what is the exact replacement then our article here will help you to find the correct jockey wheels.
If you are unable to source a like-for-like replacement then you can search for a compatible alternative or even an upgrade. Some jockey wheels come with cartridge bearings instead of bushing sleeves to minimise friction. Other brands offer pulleys made out of aluminium. They look better and come in many colours and wear slower than plastic ones. However, all the differences are marginal and if you’re not a competitive athlete then you will less likely to feel the difference.
- Put the bike on a stand.
- Remove the chain from the rear derailleur. Our article here will guide you through chain removal and refitting.
- Now remove the rear wheel. Check the article here if you’re not sure how to do this.
- Look at the pulleys. If they look different on the inner and outer sides then note this.
Replacing a bottom pulley
- Hold the pulley with one hand and unscrew the pulley bolt.
- Once loose remove the pulley bolt and slide out the jockey wheel.
- If necessary clean the area before refitting.
- Slide the jockey wheel the correct way around in between the plates of the derailleur arm.
- While holding the jockey wheel in place fit the pulley bolt through the arm and the jockey wheel.
- Once the bolt is in place tighten it.
Replacing a top pulley
- Hold the pulley with one hand and unscrew the pulley bolt.
- Once loose remove the pulley bolt and slide out the jockey wheel.
- If necessary clean the area before refitting.
- Slide the jockey wheel in between the plates of the derailleur arm.
- While holding the jockey wheel in place fit the pulley bolt through the arm and the jockey wheel.
- Once the bolt is in place tighten it.
- Now double-check that both pulleys are tight.
- Refit the rear wheel. Check this article if you need any help.
- Refit the chain.
- Spin the cranks to make sure that chain runs smoothly.
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Very informative article.
Thank you Joe. I’m pleased that you found our article helpful:)