A poorly set-up Shimano FD-4700 [paid link] front derailleur can lead to sluggish shifting, chain rub, excessive noise, and even dropped chains. While this derailleur is designed to deliver smooth and precise front shifting, small misalignments, incorrect cable tension, or limit screw errors can cause it to feel “off.”
This guide will explain why your Shimano FD-4700 [paid link] isn’t shifting as crisply as it should and provide step-by-step solutions to fine-tune your set-up.
For a full installation guide, visit:
How to Install, Adjust, and Maintain the Shimano FD-4700
1. Symptoms of a Poorly Set-Up FD-4700
If your Shimano FD-4700 [paid link] doesn’t shift smoothly, one or more of these issues may be present:
Chain rub on the derailleur cage.
Slow or hesitant shifting between chainrings.
Clicking or rattling sounds while pedaling.
The chain drops when shifting to the large or small ring.
Shifting requires excessive force at the shifter.
Each of these problems has a specific cause and solution, which we’ll cover in detail below.
2. Common Causes of Poor FD-4700 Set-Up & Fixes
A. Derailleur Height is Incorrect
Why It’s a Problem
- Too high → The chain may struggle to shift onto the large chainring.
- Too low → The chain may rub against the derailleur cage.
How to Fix It
- Shift to the smallest chainring.
- Measure the gap between the derailleur’s outer cage and the largest chainring.
- Adjust the derailleur height so that this gap is 1–3 mm.
- Tighten the clamp bolt to 5–7 Nm torque.
B. Derailleur Cage Angle is Misaligned
Why It’s a Problem
- If the derailleur isn’t parallel to the chainrings, shifting will be slow and noisy.
How to Fix It
- Loosen the clamp bolt slightly.
- Rotate the derailleur so the outer cage is perfectly parallel to the chainrings.
- Retighten the clamp bolt.
For more on derailleur positioning, see:
Shimano FD-4700 Installation Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Set-Up
C. Cable Tension is Too Loose or Too Tight
Why It’s a Problem
- Too loose → The derailleur won’t shift up to the large chainring.
- Too tight → Shifts may be erratic, and trimming won’t work properly.
How to Fix It
- Shift to the smallest chainring.
- Pull the derailleur cable taut before tightening the clamp bolt.
- Use the barrel adjuster to fine-tune shifting:
- Turn counterclockwise to increase tension (if shifts are slow).
- Turn clockwise to reduce tension (if shifting is too abrupt).
For more details, check:
How to Replace the Cable on Your Shimano FD-4700 for Better Performance
D. Limit Screws Are Misadjusted
Why It’s a Problem
- Incorrect high or low limit settings cause chain rub, missed shifts, or dropped chains.
How to Fix It
- Set the Low Limit Screw (L)
- Shift to the smallest chainring and largest rear cog.
- Adjust the low limit screw until the chain is 0–0.5 mm from the inner derailleur plate.
- Set the High Limit Screw (H)
- Shift to the largest chainring and smallest rear cog.
- Adjust the high limit screw to maintain 0–0.5 mm clearance from the chain.
For step-by-step instructions, see:
Shimano FD-4700 Limit Screw Adjustments: How to Get Them Just Right
E. Support Bolt Isn’t Adjusted
Why It’s a Problem
- The support bolt stabilizes the derailleur and prevents flexing under load. If it’s not adjusted, shifting can feel sluggish.
How to Fix It
- Use a 2 mm Allen key to turn the support bolt until it makes contact with the frame.
- Ensure the derailleur is still aligned correctly.
3. Troubleshooting Common Shimano FD-4700 Issues
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Chain rub on small chainring | Low limit screw set incorrectly | Adjust low limit screw |
| Chain rub on large chainring | High limit screw misaligned | Adjust high limit screw |
| Slow shifting to large chainring | Cable tension too loose | Tighten barrel adjuster |
| Chain drops when shifting | Derailleur height too high | Lower derailleur to 1–3 mm above chainring |
| Clicking or noisy shifting | Dirty pivots or misalignment | Clean and lubricate derailleur |
| Shifting feels stiff | Corroded cable or dry pivots | Lubricate pivots or replace cable |
For more troubleshooting tips, check:
The Most Common Shimano FD-4700 Problems and How to Solve Them
4. How Often Should You Adjust the FD-4700?
To maintain smooth, precise shifting, follow this adjustment schedule:
- Every 2 weeks: Check for chain rub and shifting response.
- Every 1–2 months: Fine-tune cable tension and limit screws.
- Every 6 months: Clean and lubricate derailleur pivots.
- Annually: Inspect for worn cables and replace if needed.
For a full cleaning routine, visit:
The Best Lubrication and Cleaning Routine for Your Shimano FD-4700
Conclusion
If your Shimano FD-4700 front derailleur feels off, the cause is likely incorrect height, cable tension, limit screw settings, or derailleur angle. By fine-tuning these adjustments, you can restore crisp, effortless shifting.
If shifting problems persist, check for worn cables, misaligned cranksets, or compatibility issues.
Would you like tips on upgrading your Shimano FD-4700 setup? Let us know in the comments!