The Shimano FD-4700 [paid link] front derailleur is designed for smooth and precise shifting, but without proper lubrication and cleaning, dirt and grime can build up, causing stiff shifting, increased chain rub, and excessive wear.
Regular cleaning and lubrication are essential to maintain peak performance and extend the lifespan of your derailleur. This guide will walk you through a step-by-step process to clean and lubricate the Shimano FD-4700 [paid link] properly.
For a complete derailleur maintenance guide, visit:
Shimano FD-4700 Maintenance Plan: How to Keep Your Set-Up Perfect for Years
1. Why Cleaning and Lubrication Matter
Dirt, grease, and debris can accumulate on the derailleur, causing:
- Sluggish or unresponsive shifting
- Increased friction and wear on pivot points
- Excessive chain rub and noise
- Corrosion and rust buildup
By following a consistent cleaning and lubrication routine, you can improve shifting efficiency, reduce wear, and extend the life of your Shimano FD-4700 [paid link].
2. Tools and Supplies Needed
To properly clean and lubricate the Shimano FD-4700, you will need:
- Bike-specific degreaser
- Soft-bristle brush or lint-free cloth
- Bike-specific lubricant
- Chain cleaning tool or old toothbrush
- 5 mm Allen key for derailleur adjustments
- Clean, dry rag for wiping excess lubricant
For additional derailleur adjustments, see:
Shimano FD-4700 Limit Screw Adjustments: How to Get Them Just Right
3. How to Properly Clean the Shimano FD-4700
A clean derailleur moves more smoothly, reducing friction and improving shifting performance.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process
- Shift to the smallest chainring to expose the derailleur’s inner plates.
- Spray bike degreaser on the derailleur plates and pivot points.
- Use a soft-bristle brush or lint-free cloth to scrub off dirt and grease.
- Wipe the derailleur dry with a clean rag to remove excess degreaser.
- Clean the chain and chainrings to prevent dirt transfer back onto the derailleur.
Regular cleaning prevents grit buildup, which can cause premature wear and noisy shifting.
For troubleshooting noisy shifting, visit:
How to Diagnose and Fix Noisy Set-Up on Your Shimano FD-4700
4. Lubricating the Shimano FD-4700 for Smooth Shifting
Lubrication is essential to reduce friction in moving parts, ensuring precise and effortless shifting.
How to Lubricate the Derailleur Correctly
- Apply one drop of bike lubricant to each pivot point on the derailleur.
- Shift through all gears to allow the lubricant to distribute evenly.
- Wipe away excess lubricant with a clean rag to prevent dirt buildup.
Do not apply lubricant to the derailleur plates, as this can cause chain slippage and attract dirt.
For a detailed guide on adjusting shifting performance, visit:
Why Your Shimano FD-4700 Might Not Be Set Up Correctly and How to Fix It
5. Preventing Excessive Wear with Routine Maintenance
Following a regular maintenance schedule will keep your FD-4700 shifting smoothly while extending its lifespan.
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Wipe down derailleur and check shifting | After every ride |
| Clean derailleur plates and chainrings | Weekly |
| Lubricate derailleur pivot points | Monthly |
| Check and adjust cable tension | Every two months |
| Replace worn cables and inspect for wear | Every six months |
By sticking to this routine, you can prevent dirt buildup, reduce shifting resistance, and maximize the longevity of your Shimano FD-4700.
For more ways to protect your derailleur, visit:
How to Prevent Premature Wear on Your Shimano FD-4700 and Extend Its Lifespan
6. Common Cleaning and Lubrication Mistakes to Avoid
Some cleaning habits can do more harm than good, so it’s important to avoid these mistakes.
| Mistake | Why It’s a Problem | Correct Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Using household degreasers | Can damage derailleur finish and seals | Use bike-specific degreasers |
| Over-lubricating the derailleur | Attracts dirt and grime | Apply a small amount and wipe off excess |
| Lubricating the derailleur plates | Can cause chain slippage | Lubricate only the pivot points |
| Not cleaning before lubricating | Traps dirt in moving parts | Always clean before lubricating |
By avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure smoother, quieter shifting with minimal wear.
7. Conclusion
Proper cleaning and lubrication are essential for keeping your Shimano FD-4700 front derailleur shifting smoothly and efficiently. By following this guide, you can reduce friction, prevent dirt buildup, and extend the life of your derailleur.
If shifting problems persist despite regular cleaning, check for cable tension issues, misalignment, or worn components.
Would you like additional guidance on fine-tuning or upgrading your Shimano FD-4700 setup? Let us know in the comments!