A noisy front derailleur can be frustrating, especially when your Shimano FD-4700 [paid link] should provide smooth and silent shifting. Unusual sounds, such as rattling, clicking, or chain rub, often indicate misalignment, cable tension issues, or worn components.
This guide will help you diagnose and fix the noise in your Shimano FD-4700 [paid link] set-up, restoring quiet and precise shifting.
For troubleshooting common shifting issues, check:
Troubleshooting Shimano FD-4700: How to Fix Common Set-Up Issues
1. Understanding Noises from Your Shimano FD-4700
Different types of noise can indicate specific problems:
- Chain rub on the derailleur cage suggests limit screw or derailleur height issues.
- Clicking sounds often result from improper cable tension or a dirty shifting mechanism.
- Rattling noises may be due to loose bolts, a misaligned derailleur, or worn chainrings.
Each issue has a specific cause and fix, which we’ll cover below.
2. Diagnosing Shimano FD-4700 Noises and Their Fixes
A. Chain Rub on the Derailleur Cage
Why It Happens
- The derailleur is too high or low, causing poor chain clearance.
- The limit screws are misadjusted, allowing the chain to touch the derailleur cage.
How to Fix It
- 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.
- Shift to the largest chainring and smallest rear cog.
- Adjust the high limit screw to maintain 0–0.5 mm clearance from the chain.
- Ensure the derailleur is positioned 1–3 mm above the largest chainring.
For more details, check:
Shimano FD-4700 Limit Screw Adjustments: How to Get Them Just Right
B. Clicking Noises While Shifting
Why It Happens
- Cable tension is incorrect, causing delayed or incomplete shifts.
- Dirty pivot points increase resistance, leading to uneven movement.
How to Fix It
- Check cable tension:
- If shifting feels slow or hesitant, turn the barrel adjuster counterclockwise to increase tension.
- If shifting is too abrupt, turn it clockwise to reduce tension.
- Lubricate the derailleur pivots:
- Apply a drop of bike lubricant to all pivot points.
- Shift through the gears to distribute the lubricant.
For a full guide on adjusting cable tension, visit:
How to Replace the Cable on Your Shimano FD-4700 for Better Performance
C. Rattling Noises from the Derailleur
Why It Happens
- The derailleur mounting bolt is loose, causing the component to shift during pedaling.
- The support bolt is not making proper contact with the frame, leading to vibration.
How to Fix It
- Tighten the mounting bolt to 5–7 Nm torque using a 5 mm Allen key.
- Adjust the support bolt with a 2 mm Allen key until it just touches the frame without overloading it.
If you’re struggling with set-up quality, check:
Shimano FD-4700 Set-Up Quality: Why It Feels Off and How to Fix It
D. Noises Caused by a Dirty or Worn-Out Chain
Why It Happens
- A dry, dirty, or stretched chain can create clicking or grinding sounds.
- Worn chainrings can affect how smoothly the chain moves across teeth.
How to Fix It
- Clean the chain and chainrings:
- Use a bike-specific degreaser and a chain-cleaning tool.
- Wipe away any excess dirt and apply fresh lubricant.
- Check for chain wear:
- If the chain is stretched beyond 0.5%, replace it to prevent shifting issues.
For a complete cleaning guide, see:
The Best Lubrication and Cleaning Routine for Your Shimano FD-4700
E. Noises Due to a Misaligned Crankset or Bottom Bracket
Why It Happens
- A loose crankset or bottom bracket can cause excessive drivetrain noise.
- If the crankarms are not aligned, the chain may not track correctly.
How to Fix It
- Inspect the crankset bolts and tighten them to manufacturer specifications.
- Check for bottom bracket wear by spinning the cranks and feeling for resistance.
- If noises persist, consider having the bottom bracket serviced or replaced.
3. Troubleshooting Guide: Noises and Their Fixes
| Noise Type | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Chain rub | Limit screws misadjusted | Adjust high and low limit screws |
| Clicking when shifting | Cable tension too loose or too tight | Fine-tune the barrel adjuster |
| Rattling derailleur | Loose mounting bolt or support bolt misaligned | Tighten bolts and adjust support bolt |
| Grinding noise | Dirty or worn chain | Clean or replace the chain |
| Irregular shifting sound | Crankset misalignment | Tighten crank bolts and check bottom bracket |
For more troubleshooting tips, visit:
The Most Common Shimano FD-4700 Problems and How to Solve Them
4. How to Prevent Noises in the Future
To keep your Shimano FD-4700 [paid link] running quietly, follow this maintenance schedule:
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Clean and lubricate the derailleur pivots | Monthly |
| Check and adjust limit screws | Every 3 months |
| Inspect cable tension | Every 2 months |
| Clean the chain and chainrings | Weekly |
| Check crankset and bottom bracket for wear | Every 6 months |
By following these steps, you can keep your front derailleur silent, precise, and problem-free.
Conclusion
A noisy Shimano FD-4700 front derailleur is usually caused by chain rub, misalignment, cable tension issues, or dirt buildup. By carefully diagnosing and fixing these problems, you can restore smooth and quiet shifting.
If noise issues persist, check for worn cables, limit screw misadjustments, or bottom bracket problems.
Would you like additional recommendations on upgrading or maintaining your Shimano FD-4700 setup? Let us know in the comments!