The Shimano FD-4700 [paid link] front derailleur relies on precise limit screw adjustments to ensure smooth shifting and prevent chain rub or drops. If these screws are incorrectly set, shifting can feel sluggish, the chain may rub against the derailleur plates, or worse, the chain could drop off the chainrings.
This guide will walk you through step-by-step instructions to properly adjust the high and low limit screws on your Shimano FD-4700 [paid link] for flawless front shifting.
For general front derailleur troubleshooting, check:
The Most Common Shimano FD-4700 Problems and How to Solve Them
1. What Are Limit Screws and Why Do They Matter?
The Shimano FD-4700 [paid link] front derailleur has two limit screws that control the range of derailleur movement:
- Low Limit Screw (L): Stops the derailleur from shifting the chain past the smallest chainring.
- High Limit Screw (H): Prevents the derailleur from over-shifting past the largest chainring.
If these screws are misadjusted, the derailleur may:
- Rub against the chain, causing noise and resistance.
- Fail to shift properly, making gear changes sluggish.
- Allow the chain to drop, leading to frustrating stops mid-ride.
2. Tools Required
Before adjusting the limit screws, you will need:
- Phillips screwdriver #2 – For turning the limit screws
- 5 mm Allen key – For adjusting the derailleur clamp and cable tension
- Torque wrench [paid link] – Ensures bolts are tightened correctly
- Bike lubricant – For smooth derailleur movement
For a complete maintenance routine, check:
The Best Lubrication and Cleaning Routine for Your Shimano FD-4700
3. Adjusting the Low Limit Screw (L) – Small Chainring
The low limit screw controls how far the derailleur moves inward toward the smallest chainring. If incorrectly set, the chain may:
- Rub against the derailleur cage (screw is too loose).
- Struggle to shift into the small ring (screw is too tight).
Step-by-Step Adjustment
- Shift to the smallest chainring and largest rear cog.
- Locate the low limit screw (L) on the derailleur.
- Turn the low limit screw clockwise to move the derailleur away from the chain.
- Turn the low limit screw counterclockwise to move the derailleur closer to the chain.
- Adjust until the inner derailleur plate is 0–0.5 mm from the chain, with no rubbing.
4. Adjusting the High Limit Screw (H) – Large Chainring
The high limit screw controls how far the derailleur moves outward toward the largest chainring. If set incorrectly, the chain may:
- Rub against the outer derailleur cage (screw is too tight).
- Overshoot the chainring and drop off (screw is too loose).
Step-by-Step Adjustment
- Shift to the largest chainring and smallest rear cog.
- Locate the high limit screw (H) on the derailleur.
- Turn the high limit screw clockwise to limit outward movement.
- Turn the high limit screw counterclockwise to allow more outward movement.
- Adjust until the outer derailleur plate is 0–0.5 mm from the chain, ensuring no rubbing.
For troubleshooting limit screw issues, visit:
Shimano FD-4700 Set-Up Quality: Why It Feels Off and How to Fix It
5. Checking Shifting After Adjustments
Once you have adjusted the limit screws, test the shifting to ensure smooth operation.
- Shift through all front gears while pedaling.
- Listen for chain rub—if present, re-adjust the limit screws.
- Check if the chain stays on the chainrings during aggressive shifting.
- If shifting still feels sluggish, fine-tune cable tension with the barrel adjuster.
For cable tension adjustments, check:
How to Replace the Cable on Your Shimano FD-4700 for Better Performance
6. Common Shimano FD-4700 Limit Screw Issues and Fixes
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Chain rubs on the small chainring | Low limit screw too loose | Tighten low limit screw |
| Chain rubs on the large chainring | High limit screw too tight | Loosen high limit screw |
| Chain drops off the small chainring | Low limit screw too tight | Loosen low limit screw |
| Chain overshoots the large chainring | High limit screw too loose | Tighten high limit screw |
| Slow shifting to large chainring | Cable tension too loose | Tighten barrel adjuster |
| Chain struggles to shift to the small ring | Cable tension too tight | Loosen barrel adjuster |
For more troubleshooting tips, visit:
Troubleshooting Shimano FD-4700: How to Fix Common Set-Up Issues
7. Preventing Future Limit Screw Issues
Regular maintenance will prevent shifting problems and keep your FD-4700 performing at its best. Follow these guidelines:
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Check for chain rub | Weekly |
| Adjust limit screws if shifting changes | Monthly |
| Clean derailleur and lubricate pivots | Every three months |
| Inspect cables for stretch or wear | Every six months |
By routinely checking limit screws, you can ensure precise, quiet, and accurate front shifting for years.
Conclusion
Properly adjusting the high and low limit screws on the Shimano FD-4700 is essential for smooth and accurate shifting. By fine-tuning the derailleur’s range of motion, you can prevent chain rub, missed shifts, and dropped chains.
If shifting issues persist, recheck cable tension, derailleur alignment, or component wear.
Would you like additional guidance on Shimano FD-4700 upgrades or troubleshooting? Let us know in the comments!