The Shimano RD-M773 Guide & Tension Pulley Set is a replacement jockey wheel kit for Shimano XT M773 10-speed mountain bike rear derailleurs, commonly used on mid-to-high-end MTB drivetrains.
Shimano RD-M773 Guide & Tension Pulley Set
Ā
What it is
This kit includes:
- Upper guide pulley
- Lower tension pulley
It is designed specifically for:
- Shimano Deore XT RD-M773
- 10-speed MTB drivetrains
What it does
These pulleys sit inside the derailleur cage and control chain movement:
-
Guide pulley (top)
- aligns the chain onto the correct sprocket
- ensures accurate shifting
-
Tension pulley (bottom)
- keeps chain tension stable
- prevents slack during gear changes
Together they ensure:
- smooth shifting performance
- quiet drivetrain operation
- consistent chain control on rough terrain
Compatibility
This set is made for:
- Shimano XT M773 (10-speed MTB) derailleurs
It is generally not compatible with:
- 11/12-speed MTB systems
- road derailleurs (different cage spacing and chain width)
- newer GRX or Di2 systems
Shimano pulley systems are very specific to:
- speed of drivetrain
- cage geometry
- chain width
Key characteristics
- Shimano OEM precision pulleys
- Designed for MTB load and mud conditions
- Directional pulley design (must be installed correctly)
- Optimised tooth profile for chain retention under vibration
When to replace
Replace the pulley set if you notice:
- sloppy or noisy shifting
- visible hooked or worn teeth
- chain skipping under load
- rough or gritty pulley spin
Why it matters
Worn jockey wheels can cause:
- poor shifting accuracy
- increased drivetrain noise
- reduced chain stability on technical trails
- extra wear on cassette and chain
Bottom line
Ā
The Shimano RD-M773 pulley set is a precision OEM replacement kit for XT 10-speed MTB derailleurs, restoring smooth, quiet, and accurate shifting performance in off-road conditions.
