How to Replace Bike Shifter Cables

If your shifter cables are frayed or rusted, it may be time to replace them.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• 2 New Shifter Cables
• Pliers
• Screwdriver Sets
• Wrenches

Remove the Shifter Cables

1. Shift into your small cog in back and the small ring in front.
2. Find the front derailleur. Starting with the left shift lever, follow the cable until it enters a mechanism near the front gears. This is the front derailleur.
3. With a screwdriver or Allen wrench, loosen the bolt holding the cable to the derailleur. Do not remove the bolt completely.
4. Find the rear derailleur. Starting with the right shift lever, follow the cable to the pulley mechanism near the back gears.
5. Again using a screwdriver or Allen wrench, loosen the rear derailleur cable where it attaches to the rear derailleur. Do not remove the bolt here, either.
6. Push the loosened cables back through the cable housing.
7. Use pliers to grab the end of one cable where it pokes out of the shifter and tug it all the way out. Repeat with the second cable.
8. Discard the old cables.

Install the New Shifter Cables

9. Grease your new cable before installation. If you don't have grease, you can use any bike oil.
10. Push a new cable into the hole in the left shifter.
11. Feed the shifter cable into the hole slowly. If it won't slide easily, wiggle it or rotate it slightly.
12. When the cable pokes out the other end near the front derailleur, grab it lightly with your hand and pull it the rest of the way through. You'll have a lot of excess cable.
13. Place the new cable in the slot on the derailleur where the old cable was. (Some derailleurs have a clamp; others have a bolt with a hole in it.)
14. With pliers, pull the cable taut with one hand and tighten the bolt with the other.
15. Repeat with right shifter, attaching the cable to the rear derailleur.
16. Clip the excess cable and cover the sharp end with a cable tip (a small piece of metal you can buy at a bike shop) or with a piece of heavy waterproof tape.
17. Adjust both derailleurs.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful when handling the ends of the wire. It can be very sharp.