Shadow plus axle bracket unit alignment

The axle bracket unit can get easily bent out of shape along with your derailleur hanger.  If you have a derailleur hanger alignment tool, then you can also use it to align your the Shadow Plus axle bracket units - the thread is the same as the derailleur hanger thread.

Process is as follows:

  • remove rear derailleur from derailleur hanger;
  • align derailleur hanger using alignment tool;
  • refit derailleur and remove derailleur from axle bracket unit, leaving axle bracket unit connected to derailleur hanger;
  • thread derailleur hanger alignment tool into axle bracket unit and align axle bracket unit, taking care not to bend derailleur hanger in the process.

Some pics

Here's a pic of a bent axle bracket unit on a properly aligned derailleur hanger:


Bent axle bracket unit

Here's the axle bracket unit left in place, with the derailleur removed:


Axle bracket unit in place with derailleur removed

Derailleur alignment tool screwed into axle bracket unit:


Derailleur alignment tool screwed into axle bracket unit

If you're after an alignment tool, then Park, Shimano and Campagnolo make them.

Related articles:

Shimano bracket axle unit evolution

Shimano XT 10 speed rear derailleurs have come in at least three different bracket axle units.  The units and mounting bolts are not cross compatible.  Here's a summary of the situation:

Shimano XT shadow axle bracket unit

width is 4.6mm;

Shimano SM51 Bottom Bracket

For use with Hollowtech MTB cranks. Total weight including 3 spacers 99g.

Shimano BB-UN55 bottom bracket

There are fewer and fewer square taper bottom brackets available nowadays. The Shimano BB-UN55 is probably the best one Shimano still makes. It has a solid spindle and weighs 300g. It can be had for

Token Carbon Bottom Bracket

Vital stats:

Tune DC 15 thru axle

Features an aluminium 15mm axle and a carbon fibre handled quick release. Weighs 40g as claimed.

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© 10 December 2014

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