DIY Fixes for E-Bike Gear Shifting Problems

E-bike sales are a constant reminder that mobility doesn’t have to be boring, as sales in the United States hit over $1.98 billion. But guess what? Nothing ruins a good ride faster than a gear-shifting issue. However, this can be caused by a slipped or skipped chain. 

At the same time, all gear shifting problems don’t have to be solved by a mechanic. A quick DIY, simple tools, and little patience will get your gear on the shifting row. This is why we have listed some common e-bike gear problems that can be solved at home. 

In this guide, you will learn how to identify gear problems and some common fixes.

Understanding How E-Bike Gears Work

Have you heard of the derailleurs system? A system that uses a mechanism where chains move through sprockets.  Hence, enhancing smoother speed changes and also effort contribution.

Derailleurs control the gear shifter that is connected to your handlebars and cables. Hence, causing the pull-release tensions to move the chain. 

In addition, this system makes it easy to isolate the possible gear problem. Below are possible areas where gear problems may arise: 

1. Cable tension 
2. Battery and motor assist timing. 
3. Gear indexing 
4. Derailleur alignment issues 
5. Chain condition. 

Now that you know the possible problem, it is time to discuss how each one can be solved in simple steps. 

1. Check for Cable Tension Problems

Symptoms:

• The gear stops shifting smoothly 
• You hear a clicking noise every time you pedal
• The chain stops moving properly every time you shift

Why It Happens:

Cable tension occurs when the cable is overstretched or dirt sticks to it. Hence, the derailleurs begin to lose accuracy, leading to bad gear shifting. 

DIY Fix:

1. Find a way to relax the cables.

 A simple shift to the smallest rear cog will cause the cable to relax. 

2. Look for the barrel adjuster on your e-bike. 

This adjuster is located at the point where the cable enters the derailleurs. This is close to the shifter. 

3. Turn Adjuster 

Now that you have located the adjuster, turn it counterclockwise. This should be done once a quarter. 

4. Do a clockwise adjustment 

The chain refuses to shift, no problem. Do a little clockwise adjustment. This method should reduce the tension.

>>> For more on DIYs, find out on how to check and adjust an e-bike torque settings

 5. Apply lubricants 

Check the cable to confirm stickiness. If the stick, add a drop of oil to the cable entry point. To loosen the stiffness caused by dryness. 

Pro tip: replace any bad cable, either frayed or rusted. New cables don’t cost much, and they make your e-bike feel new. 

2. Inspect the Rear Derailleur Alignment

Symptoms:

• Constant and unexpected chain jumps between gears. 
• Every pedal stroke you take gives a grinding sound 
• Gears stop picking the smallest cogs. 

Why It Happens:

Derailleur is the gear mechanical arm. Once a bent derailleur hanger falls or misaligns, even if it’s a minor bump. Your e-bike gears will start to develop problems. 

DIY Fix:

1. Get behind your e-bike wheel and look straight to the jockey to the line in alignment with the cogs
2. Use your derailleur alignment tools to fix the hanger misalignment, even if bent. 
3. Hands can also be used in the absence of tools for a bent case. Gently straighten it to prevent force.  
4. Replacement should be prioritized after the realignment strategy changes nothing. 

Pro tip: We know this problem is caused by a bike fall, and this remains a major cause of shifting problems. After every accident, either minor or major, check your derailleur alignment. 

3. Clean and Lubricate the Chain

Symptoms:

Here, your e-bike needs some quick cleaning if:

• E-bike chain skipping without overloading
• Shifting has become noisy and sometimes very rough. 
• Pedaling isn’t smooth like it was when you got the e-bike. 

Why It Happens:

The contact between the chains and the gears is already filled with dirt, and the used lubricant builds up over time.

DIY Fix:

1. Wipe dry using a neat rag.
2. Clean out the extra oil. 
3. Use a degreaser and brush to ensure the chains are in good condition.
4. Use a bike chain lube and put at least a drop on every link. 
5. Release any form of tension by shifting the smallest front and rear cogs. 

Pro tip: If you ride often or in wet weather, clean your e-bike after completing at least 150 miles.

4. Adjust the Limit Screws

Symptoms:

• Impossible to shift to the highest or lowest gears.
• The sudden chain falls off the largest and the smallest cogs. 

Why It Happens:

Derailleur always loses its guide power on the chain when the limit screws are set too tightly or too loosely. The limit screw controls how your derailleur moves and in what direction. 

DIY Fix:.

1. Locate the two screws on your derailleur. They are labeled with H and L. H represents the smallest cog, while L represents the largest cog. 
2. Do a skip on your H-screw and rotate the screw in a counterclockwise direction, and also repeat the same step for the  L-screw. Although for L, you need to allow it to rotate upward. 
3. Test that shifting to ensure that your adjustment is now true.

Pro tips: Make gradual changes. Overtightening can cause you irreversible damage. 

5. Check for Chain Wear

Symptoms:

• Looseness becomes notable 
• Constant chain slip under a little pressure.
• Shifting becomes inconsistent even after periodic adjustment.

Why It Happens:

Consistent riding can lead to chain stretching. Hence, a worn-out chain won’t sit properly on the gear. 

DIY Fix:

1. You should check your chain stretch level using an indicator tool to confirm it’s not stretched. 
2. For any result above 0.74, please replace immediately. 
3. Pay attention to the speed, whether 9 or 10, and replace it with the exact speed,
4. Always lubricate before your next ride after replacement. 

Pro tip: Refusal to replace the faulty chain will lead to premature wear for the chainrings and cassettes 

6. Index the Gears Correctly

Symptoms:

• Your chains are beginning to overshoot the next gears
• You have to click multiple times before the gear shifts or responds. 

Why It Happens:

The gear alignment shifts slightly after prolonged use of the e-bike 

DIY Fix:

1. On the rear cassette, always shift to the middle of the gear
2. Check smoothness by shifting the gears upward and downward. 
3. Carefully fine-tune in small turns until the gear shift feels perfect. It could be done either using a clockwise or an anticlockwise direction. 
4. The barrel adjuster should be turned slowly until the chain runs smoothly and sits on the sprocket.. 

Pro tip: Be patient while adjusting, and always test before doing any further turning. 

7. Inspect E-Bike Assist Components

Sometimes this gear issue arises from the motor assist’s late response. 

Symptoms:

• There is a delay between the chains and the gears.
• You notice the rough shift anytime you engage your motor assist. 

DIY Fix:

1. Update your e-bike firmware.
2. Turn off your pedal assist to confirm the problem is motor synchronized. 
3. Sensor wires should be inspected before the ride. 
4. Check your e-bike settings to confirm that you haven’t calibrated shifting time or even a motor cut-off. 

Pro tip: You can check your e-bike manual to confirm the motor settings 

8. Tighten Loose Bolts and Mounts

Symptoms:

• Inconsistent shifting 
• After you take a turn, your gear feels different or weird. 

Why It Happens:

Vibration issues can lead to loose bolts and further misalignment.

DIY Fix:

1. Check your clamping cables and also bolts. 
2. All torque wrenches should be properly tightened using the appropriate wrench. 
3. Do not strip off your threads by overtightening.

9. Test Ride and Fine-Tune

After resolving the shifting problem, you must do a test ride. Watch out for any clicking sound, skipping chain, or delayed gear shift. Furthermore, shift through all gears to confirm that the light and heavy loads are functioning. If the issue persists, visit a professional. 

Essential Tools for DIY E-Bike Gear Fixes

Below is the list of tools you will need to resolve your e-bike gear problem: 

• Philip screwdriver
• Allen wrench set
• Chain wear indicator 
• Derallieur adjustment gauge
• Bike lubricant 
• Barrel adjustment wrench
• Torque wrench 
• Cleaning brush 
• Degreaser  

When to See a Professional

After you have tried all the tips above and do not see any notable changes, it is time to visit the bike repair workshop. There is a higher chance that you are either dealing with a bent derailleur cage or an internal gear hub problem. Other possibilities include electronic shifter malfunction and motor synchronization fault. An e-bike issue can either be mechanical or electrical; whatever it is, professionals can spot it early. 

Final Thoughts

Shifting problems are no big deal if spotted early before they damage your chain or derailleur. Nonetheless, E-bike maintenance requires attention and patience to spot the exact issue. If you carefully follow the DIY repair tips above, you can resolve any gear problem without an expert. 

 Keeping your e-bike in perfect shape means practicing meticulous cleaning, paying attention to sounds, and fixing the problems immediately. Every adjustment improves the e-bike’s longevity.