Shift Linkage Maintenance

by Steve “BigSteve” Campbell

What you need:

• Socket Wrench (10mm, 12mm)
• Open End Wrench (10mm, 12mm)
• A good quality bearing grease and/or WD40 or similar spray Lube
• Degreaser
• Very basic mechanical skills

If your Sabre becomes difficult to shift or the shifter gets stuck in the up or down position your shift linkage probably just needs lubricated. Those that ride in the rain may want to perform this bi-annually. Maintaining the shifter linkage will result in smoother shifting action.

Emergency Lubrication

If you Sabre becomes difficult to shift while out on the road a quick fix is to pick up a can of WD40 or similar spray lubricant and spray the Heim Joints and pedal pivot. See the arrows on the picture. When spraying the Heim joints you need to peel back the dust boots a little to get lube into the Heim joint.

Note: Use caution when peeling back the dust boot since it can tear.

Shift Linkage Maintenance

The shift linkage maintenance can be performed while on the side stand or using a bike lift.

Step One: Remove the shifter pedal.

Use a 12mm socket and 12mm open-end wrench to remove the shifter pedal. Make note of the washers order as you disassemble.

Step Two: Remove the gearshift arm linkage.

Use a 10mm socket or 10mm open-end wrench to remove the gearshift arm linkage from the shifter rod. You will need to completely remove the 10mm bolt to get the gearshift arm linkage off the shifter rod. Make a note of the position of the gearshift arm linkage on the shift rod spline. You can use a marker or a small scratch mark on the spline. If you assemble the gearshift arm linkage misaligned on the spline your shifter will be higher or lower.

Step Three: Expose the Heim Joints and pedal bushing.

Expose the Heim joints by peeling back the dust covers. Note: Use caution when peeling back the dust boot since it can tear. Remove the pedal pivot bushing by sliding it out of the pedal. The pedal pivot bushing has two dust seals that need to be removed also. Note: Use caution when removing the dust seals since they can tear.

Step Four: Clean the Heim Joints and pedal bushing.

Clean the Heim joints, pivot bushing, dust seals, and pedal using a degreaser that is safe for the rubber dust seals. Use a rag to wipe of any excess degreaser or if compressed air is available use an air gun to remove any excess degreaser.

Step Five: Lube the Heim Joints and pedal bushing.

Lube the Heim joints and pivot bushing using with quality waterproof grease. I used White Lithium grease that comes in an aerosol can. This makes getting grease in the Heim joint much easier. You can use general purpose bearing grease also but it will make getting the grease into the Heim joint more difficult.

Step Six: Reassemble the shifter linkage.

Install the pivot bushing into the shifter pedal and then install the dust seals. Again use caution when handling the dust seals. Slip the Heim joint dust boots back over the Heim joint. This may take a bit of work since everything is greased up. If you must use a screwdriver to get the dust boot over the Heim joint use a Phillips head screwdriver or another tool without sharp edges.

Step Seven: Re-install the shifter linkage.

Place the bolt and washer through the shifter pedal pivot. Install the second washer and the shifter pedal on the controls bracket. Hand tighten the acorn nut for now. Position the gearshift arm linkage on the shift rod spline and align with the mark you made. Insert the 10mm bolt and hand tighten. Check the shifter pedal height. If all is well tighten all the bolts per the torque specs.