How to Change a Bicycle Brake Cable

Bike repair is a fun hobby. It's less complicated and easier to do than cars or electronics, and also possible to do with tools found in most households. One of the key components to a bicycle is the brake system, and it can cause problems if it's not properly maintained. You should always replace any damaged brake cables as soon as possible.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Remove the original brake cable from the bicycle by unscrewing the nut holding the cable to the derailleur (for whichever brake cable you're replacing) and the accompanying washer. Unscrew the other side of the cable from the brake handle on the handlebar. The one mounted to your left handlebar always controls your front brake, and the one on your right handlebar always controls the rear.

2. Go to the bicycle shop and have them cut you a new brake cable. It's important to have a bike shop cut this for you because of how different bicycles and different braking systems work. You don't want to make a mistake and get hurt from a badly cut cable. If your housing's ends are undamaged, you can probably use them again, but consider buying new ones so everything works like a new braking mechanism should.

3. Install the new end caps on the new brake cable. The caps pop on, and the wire goes through the hole in the middle. Be careful with the cable so it doesn't fray. Mimic the route from the old brake cable with the new one between the handles and derailleur mechanisms. Tighten the nuts to hold them in place. Slowly roll the bike and test the brakes to make sure they work properly.

Tips & Warnings

• Pay attention to the way the original cable is threaded through the brake handles and the derailleur for the braking mechanism. You need to mimic it with the new cable. Different bikes have different handles and braking mechanisms so it's not a one-size-fits-all situation.
• Check to make sure that the brake pads are in the right position on the rim of the bicycle after your repair job. They shouldn't touch the tire or go under the rim. They should also toe-in slightly so that if you hold the brake handles lightly, the front edge of the brake pad touches the bike's rim.