X01 Eagle AXS Limit Screw Adjustments: How to Get Them Just Right

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The SRAM X01 Eagle AXS [paid link] rear derailleur stands as a high-performance, electronic wireless shifting solution tailored for serious trail and enduro riders. While its setup is more straightforward than mechanical derailleurs, precision remains key—particularly when it comes to limit screw adjustment. Improperly tuned limits can result in dropped chains, missed shifts, or drivetrain damage.

This guide walks you through how to adjust the high and low limit screws on your X01 Eagle AXS [paid link] to achieve flawless shifting and long-term drivetrain health.

Understanding the Role of Limit Screws

The X01 Eagle AXS [paid link] derailleur uses two limit screws to define the derailleur’s lateral travel range. These screws prevent the derailleur from moving the chain beyond the largest or smallest cog, which could otherwise result in chain drop or frame damage.

  • High Limit Screw: Controls the outboard movement toward the smallest cog.
  • Low Limit Screw: Controls the inboard movement toward the largest cog.

Though the derailleur features an automatic position setup via the AXS app and pairing button, mechanical limit screw tuning is essential for safety and mechanical integrity.

Tools Required

  1. T25 Torx wrench [paid link] (for limit screw adjustments)
  2. SRAM AXS mobile app (for confirmation and diagnostics)
  3. Work stand (for accurate adjustment)
  4. Chain checker and drivetrain alignment tools (recommended but not required)

Pre-Adjustment Setup Checklist

Before making limit screw adjustments, complete the following:

  • Ensure the derailleur hanger is straight using a hanger alignment tool.
  • Confirm the derailleur is installed properly on the hanger.
  • Check that the chain is sized correctly per SRAM’s recommendations.
  • Pair the derailleur with the AXS controller and ensure the battery is charged.
  • Confirm B-gap is set according to your cassette size using the SRAM B-gap tool.

Without these prerequisites, even perfect limit screw settings will result in poor performance or damage.

Adjusting the High Limit Screw

Start by shifting to the smallest cog on your cassette. This represents the outermost limit of the derailleur’s range.

  1. Observe Chain Line: Check how the top pulley aligns with the smallest cog.
  2. Fine-Tuning:
    • If the pulley overshoots the cog and chain tries to move past the cassette, turn the high limit screw clockwise to reduce travel.
    • If the pulley doesn’t reach the cog or causes poor shifting, turn the screw counter-clockwise.
  3. Verification: Shift up and down the cassette to ensure the smallest cog shift is crisp and silent.

Note: Since the derailleur is electronically actuated, shifts are consistent once limits are correctly set. However, the physical endstop defined by the high limit screw is critical for mechanical protection.

Adjusting the Low Limit Screw

Next, shift to the largest cog—the inboard position closest to the spokes.

  1. Check Clearance: Ensure the pulley does not push the chain beyond the largest cog into the spokes.
  2. Adjustment:
    • Turn the low limit screw clockwise if the derailleur overshoots into the spokes.
    • Turn it counter-clockwise if the chain doesn’t fully engage the largest cog.
  3. Smooth Operation: Shift repeatedly between the second-largest and largest cog to validate performance.

Avoid overtightening. An overly restrictive low limit can make climbing gears unusable, while insufficient tension may risk spoke damage.

Fine-Tuning Tips for Expert-Level Accuracy

  • Shift Under Load: Once initial adjustments are made, shift under pedaling load to check real-world performance.
  • Repeat After Suspension Sag Check: On full-suspension bikes, the derailleur position changes when the suspension compresses. Recheck limits at sag settings.
  • Use AXS App Feedback: The SRAM AXS app can provide shift logs and diagnostics. If repeat overshifts or dropped chains occur, revisit your limit screws.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Relying Only on Electronic Setup: The AXS pairing process does not adjust mechanical limit screws. They must be set manually.
  • Skipping Hanger Alignment: A misaligned hanger mimics poor limit screw settings and leads to frustration.
  • Overtightening Screws: Too much restriction prevents the derailleur from reaching critical gears and results in missed shifts.
  • Ignoring B-Gap: A poorly set B-gap causes ghost shifts or chain misalignment, especially noticeable near the largest cog.

When to Recheck Your Limit Screws

  • After any crash or impact involving the derailleur.
  • When switching to a new cassette size.
  • After removing and reinstalling the rear wheel.
  • As part of seasonal or 100-hour drivetrain maintenance.

Conclusion

Getting the limit screw adjustments right on your SRAM X01 Eagle AXS rear derailleur is not only about optimal shifting—it’s about protecting your drivetrain from mechanical damage. Even with advanced wireless technology, this manual fine-tuning step is critical to system performance and reliability. Always double-check your work, and don’t hesitate to recalibrate if drivetrain behavior changes.