A properly set up Shimano FD-4700 [paid link] front derailleur should provide precise and reliable shifting, but many riders experience issues where the derailleur feels sluggish, hesitant, or noisy. If your front shifting doesn’t feel right, small but critical setup errors may be the cause.
This guide will cover why your Shimano FD-4700 [paid link] front derailleur feels off and how to fix it, ensuring crisp, accurate shifting every time.
For a full derailleur adjustment guide, check:
Shimano FD-4700 Limit Screw Adjustments: How to Get Them Just Right
1. Symptoms of a Poorly Set-Up Shimano FD-4700
If your front derailleur isn’t performing properly, you may notice:
- Chain rub against the derailleur cage
- Slow or hesitant shifting between chainrings
- Clicking or rattling noises while pedaling
- Chain drops when shifting between rings
- Shifting requires excessive force at the shifter
Each of these problems has a specific cause, which we’ll diagnose and fix below.
2. Common Shimano FD-4700 Set-Up Issues and Fixes
A. The Derailleur is Mounted Too High or Too Low
Why It’s a Problem
- Too high: The chain may struggle to shift to 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.
- Retighten the derailleur clamp to 5–7 Nm torque.
For more installation mistakes and solutions, visit:
Shimano FD-4700 Installation Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Set-Up
B. Derailleur Cage Angle is Incorrect
Why It’s a Problem
If the derailleur is tilted inward or outward, it can cause:
- Chain rub on one side of the derailleur cage.
- Hesitant or inconsistent shifts between chainrings.
How to Fix It
- Loosen the clamp bolt slightly.
- Rotate the derailleur until the outer cage is perfectly parallel to the chainrings.
- Retighten the clamp bolt.
C. Cable Tension is Too Loose or Too Tight
Why It’s a Problem
- Too loose: The derailleur won’t move properly when shifting.
- Too tight: It may cause over-shifting or make trimming adjustments difficult.
How to Fix It
- Shift to the smallest chainring.
- Pull the cable snug but not overtight before securing it.
- Use the barrel adjuster to fine-tune shifting tension:
- Turn counterclockwise to increase tension.
- Turn clockwise to reduce tension.
For detailed cable adjustments, 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 limit screw settings can lead to:
- Chain rub on the derailleur cage.
- Poor shifting response.
- Chain drops when shifting.
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 until the chain is 0–0.5 mm from the outer derailleur plate.
For a step-by-step guide, check:
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 just makes contact with the frame.
- Avoid over-tightening, which can affect shifting performance.
3. Troubleshooting Shimano FD-4700 Shifting Issues
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Chain rub on small chainring | Low limit screw misadjusted | 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 a more detailed breakdown of common derailleur problems, visit:
The Most Common Shimano FD-4700 Problems and How to Solve Them
4. How Often Should You Adjust Your FD-4700?
To maintain smooth shifting performance, follow this adjustment schedule:
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Check for chain rub and shifting response | Every 2 weeks |
| Adjust cable tension and limit screws | Every 1–2 months |
| Clean and lubricate derailleur pivots | Every 6 months |
| Inspect cables for wear and replace if needed | Annually |
For a complete maintenance plan, visit:
Shimano FD-4700 Maintenance Plan: How to Keep Your Set-Up Perfect for Years
Conclusion
If your Shimano FD-4700 [paid link] front derailleur feels off, the most likely causes are incorrect height, cable tension, limit screw settings, or derailleur angle. By following these simple fixes, you can restore crisp, effortless shifting and prevent future issues.
If shifting problems persist, check for cable wear, crankset misalignment, or compatibility issues.
Would you like additional guidance on Shimano FD-4700 upgrades and fine-tuning? Let us know in the comments!