The Shimano FD-4700 [paid link] front derailleur is known for its smooth shifting and reliable performance, but like any drivetrain component, it can develop issues over time. Problems such as chain rub, sluggish shifting, dropped chains, or misalignment can affect performance and cause frustration.
This guide will cover the most common Shimano FD-4700 [paid link] problems, their causes, and step-by-step solutions to restore perfect front shifting.
For a guide on diagnosing front derailleur noises, visit:
How to Diagnose and Fix Noisy Set-Up on Your Shimano FD-4700
1. Shimano FD-4700 Front Derailleur Issues at a Glance
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Chain rub on derailleur cage | Misadjusted limit screws or derailleur height | Adjust limit screws and check derailleur position |
| Slow or hesitant shifting | Cable tension too loose | Tighten barrel adjuster |
| Chain drops when shifting | Derailleur height too high or low | Set derailleur 1–3 mm above the largest chainring |
| Clicking noises when shifting | Dirty pivots or incorrect cable tension | Clean and lubricate pivots, fine-tune cable tension |
| Chain doesn’t shift to large chainring | Low cable tension or high limit screw misadjustment | Increase cable tension, adjust high limit screw |
| Stiff or rough shifting | Dry or corroded cables | Lubricate or replace shift cables |
| Front derailleur flexes under load | Support bolt not adjusted | Adjust support bolt to stabilize derailleur |
Each of these problems has specific solutions, which are covered in detail below.
2. Chain Rub on the Derailleur Cage
Why It Happens
- The low or high limit screws are incorrectly set, causing the chain to touch the derailleur cage.
- The derailleur is mounted too high or too low, affecting chain clearance.
How to Fix It
- Adjust the Low Limit Screw (L):
- Shift to the smallest chainring and largest rear cog.
- Turn the low limit screw until the chain is 0–0.5 mm from the inner derailleur plate.
- Adjust 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 adjustments, visit:
Shimano FD-4700 Limit Screw Adjustments: How to Get Them Just Right
3. Slow or Hesitant Shifting to the Large Chainring
Why It Happens
- Cable tension is too loose, preventing the derailleur from moving far enough.
- Dirty or dry derailleur pivots cause sluggish movement.
How to Fix It
- Check and adjust cable tension:
- Shift to the smallest chainring.
- Turn the barrel adjuster counterclockwise to increase tension until shifting improves.
- Lubricate the derailleur pivots:
- Apply bike lubricant to the pivot points.
- Shift through all gears to distribute the lubricant evenly.
If the cable is damaged, replace it following this guide:
How to Replace the Cable on Your Shimano FD-4700 for Better Performance
4. Chain Drops When Shifting
Why It Happens
- The derailleur height is incorrect, causing unstable shifts.
- The limit screws are not properly adjusted, allowing excessive movement.
How to Fix It
- Ensure the derailleur is 1–3 mm above the largest chainring.
- Fine-tune the limit screws:
- Adjust the low limit screw to prevent the chain from dropping off the small chainring.
- Adjust the high limit screw to prevent over-shifting beyond the large chainring.
For troubleshooting shifting issues, visit:
Troubleshooting Shimano FD-4700: How to Fix Common Set-Up Issues
5. Clicking or Noisy Shifting
Why It Happens
- Misaligned derailleur angle causes chain noise.
- Dirty pivot points or worn components lead to irregular shifting sounds.
How to Fix It
- Check derailleur alignment:
- Ensure the outer derailleur plate is parallel to the chainrings.
- If misaligned, loosen the mounting bolt, adjust the angle, and retighten.
- Clean and lubricate moving parts:
- Spray degreaser on the derailleur pivots.
- Wipe off excess dirt and apply fresh lubricant.
For more noise fixes, check:
How to Diagnose and Fix Noisy Set-Up on Your Shimano FD-4700
6. The Front Derailleur Flexes Under Load
Why It Happens
- The support bolt is not making proper contact with the frame, reducing derailleur stability.
How to Fix It
- Locate the support bolt behind the derailleur.
- Use a 2 mm Allen key to adjust the bolt until it just touches the frame.
- Avoid over-tightening, which can affect shifting performance.
For more on installation mistakes, check:
Shimano FD-4700 Installation Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Set-Up
7. Preventing Future Shimano FD-4700 Issues
To keep your FD-4700 [paid link] running smoothly, follow this maintenance plan:
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Wipe down derailleur and check shifting | After every ride |
| Clean chain and derailleur cage | Weekly |
| Lubricate derailleur pivots | Monthly |
| Adjust cable tension | Every two months |
| Inspect and replace cables if needed | Every six months |
| Fully clean derailleur and drivetrain | Every three months |
For a full cleaning guide, see:
The Best Lubrication and Cleaning Routine for Your Shimano FD-4700
Conclusion
The Shimano FD-4700 front derailleur is a reliable and precise component, but improper adjustments or lack of maintenance can cause shifting problems, chain rub, and noise. By identifying common problems and applying the right fixes, you can ensure smooth and precise shifting for years.
If shifting issues persist, check for cable wear, derailleur misalignment, or limit screw errors.
Would you like additional guidance on upgrading or troubleshooting your Shimano FD-4700 set-up? Let us know in the comments!