SIS DT shift lever rebuild

I am a dyed-in-the-wool fan of Shimano indexing DT shift levers for
6/7 speeds (such as the SL-6401).

But, as they become scarcer than hen's teeth, I have an interest in learning how to rebuild the
right shift lever (the left is a simple friction lever).

Over time, I notice that the left lever is less precise than it used to be. I imagine that gunk has
gotten into the detents, etc., thus accounting for the slop.

Is there a special tool I need?

(And, no, a set of brifters is not the solution to this problem.)

 

<< I am a dyed-in-the-wool fan of Shimano indexing DT shift levers for
6/7 speeds (such as the SL-6401). But, as they become scarcer than hen's teeth, I have an interest
in learning how to rebuild the right shift lever (the left is a simple friction lever). Over time,
I notice that the left lever is less precise than it used to be. I imagine that gunk has gotten
into the detents, etc., thus accounting for the slop. Is there a special tool I need? (And, no, a
set of brifters is not the solution to this problem.) >>

When the detents in the SIS shifters wear out and break off as they eventually do, you may find that
your derailleur will not stay in gear. You can still use the rear shifter in friction mode, or you
must replace it. You can find used downtube shifters on eBay. I have a pair of Dura Ace 8sp on
auction right now for $10 (item #3608219461).

 

"Scoochiro" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I am a dyed-in-the-wool fan of Shimano indexing DT shift levers for
> 6/7 speeds (such as the SL-6401).
>
> But, as they become scarcer than hen's teeth, I have an interest in learning how to rebuild the
> right shift lever (the left is a simple friction lever).
>
> Over time, I notice that the left lever is less precise than it used to be. I imagine that gunk
> has gotten into the detents, etc., thus accounting for the slop.
>
> Is there a special tool I need?
>
> (And, no, a set of brifters is not the solution to this problem.)

Brand new SIS seven DT levers are plentiful at $19.95 the pair so why bother? I have never
successfully repaired a broken one as the usual mode of failure is a crack in the extremely hard
thin steel plates. YMMV.

--
Andrew Muzi http://www.yellowjersey.org Open every day since 1 April 1971