How to Install a Shimano FD-M660 Front Derailleur
The FD-M660 front derailleur belongs to Shimano's SLX line of mountain bike components. The typical mountain bike has a set of gears for both the front and rear of the bicycle. Each set relies on a derailleur, a device that transfers the chain to each of the gears. Installing the M660 at both a proper height and angle on the bicycle frame helps ensure precise performance during shifting of front gears.
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Instructions
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1
Locate the Shimano FD-M660 clamp bolt. The derailleur includes a clamp for mounting purposes. The bolt allows the clamp to be mounted and tightened around the seat tube of the bicycle frame.
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2
Loosen the bolt using a 5 mm Allen wrench until one end of the clamp can be separated from the other. Separate the clamp.
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3
Fit the FD-M660 derailleur clamp around the bicycle frame seat tube just above the front sprockets. The seat tube is the part of the frame that extends down from the seat.
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4
Tighten the clamp bolt, using the 5 mm Allen wrench, just enough to keep the FD-M660 derailleur from slipping. Leave the clamp loose enough, however, to allow for adjustment of the clamp position.
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5
Use a rag to grab the front half of the bicycle's chain. Keep the chain out of the way for now by slipping it off its sprocket to the inside and letting it rest on the bottom bracket shell. The bottom bracket shell is the bottom of the bicycle frame through which the crank spindle passes.
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6
Grab the side of the FD-M660 derailleur, called the "cage." The cage comprises an inner and outer plate.
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7
Pull the cage out over the largest sprocket. The bottom of the cage should clear the top of the sprocket by 1 to 2 mm, or approximately the width of a penny. Adjust the height of the derailleur as needed, by sliding the clamp up or down the bicycle frame seat tube.
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8
Observe the derailleur cage from above. The outer cage plate should be parallel with the sprockets. Set the derailleur's horizontal alignment by pivoting the derailleur left or right as needed.
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9
Locate the small screw that joins the two ends of the FD-M660 derailleur cage. Use a flat-head screwdriver and remove the screw. Set the screw aside.
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10
Grab the chain one more time, using the rag to keep your hands clean, and slip the chain through the opening in the cage plates.
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11
Replace the small screw. Tighten it using the flat-head screwdriver.
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