⚙️ What it does
Your rear derailleur has two small wheels:
- ???? Guide pulley (top) → controls shifting accuracy
- ???? Tension pulley (bottom) → maintains chain tension
When these wear out, you get:
- Noisy drivetrain
- Sloppy shifting
- Increased chain wear
???? Replacing them restores smooth performance.
???? Compatibility
This pulley set works with multiple Shimano 10-speed derailleurs, including:
- Shimano 105 RD-5700 series
- Shimano Deore / SLX / XT:
- RD-M662
- RD-M663
- RD-M772
- RD-M773
???? It’s a cross-compatible Shimano design, used across both road and MTB 10-speed systems
⚙️ Key features
⚙️ 11-tooth pulley wheels
- Standard size for 10-speed Shimano systems
- Balanced for:
- Smooth chain movement
- Low friction
???? Composite construction
- Durable plastic/composite material
- Reduces:
- Noise
- Vibration
- Wear on chain
???? Sealed bearings
- Keeps dirt and water out
- Improves:
- Longevity
- Smooth rotation
???? When you should replace them
Replace pulleys if you notice:
- Teeth look sharp or “hooked”
- Excessive noise while pedaling
- Poor shifting even after tuning
- Side-to-side play in wheels
???? Strengths
- Cheap but high-impact upgrade
- Restores smooth shifting
- Extends drivetrain life
- Easy to install
???? Limitations
- Only for 10-speed Shimano systems
- Won’t fix worn cassette/chain issues
- Must install correctly (guide vs tension orientation matters)
???? Real-world verdict
This is:
???? A simple, low-cost maintenance part that can dramatically improve shifting performance if your derailleur feels worn or noisy.
???? Bottom line
- ✔ Essential maintenance item
- ✔ Wide compatibility (road + MTB 10-speed Shimano)
- ✔ Cheap performance improvement
- ❗ Only useful if your current pulleys are worn
???? Extra tip
If you’re replacing these, also check:
???? Because worn pulleys + worn drivetrain = problems won’t fully disappear.
