How to Install Bike Cables
Most bicycle derailleurs and brakes are controlled by metal cables that are pulled by gear shifters or brake levers on the handlebars. When you shift a gear or pull the brakes, tension in the cables causes the derailleur to move and shift gears, or the brakes to press against the rim and slow the bike down. You may need to change these cables from time to time as they become corroded or stiff to use. Changing the cables on your bike will take around an hour.
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Things You'll Need
- Allen key or hex wrench set
- Philips screwdriver
- Open-ended or box metric wrenches
- Replacement cables
- High-quality wire cables
- Cable crimps
- Lubricant (if necessary)
Instructions
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Instructions
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1
Loosen the bolt attaching the cable to the derailleur. This typically requires an Allen key or open-ended metric wrench. Find the place where the other end of the cable is attached to the shifter. You may also have to flip open a plastic cover to access the cable on some models of shifter.
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2
Disconnect the brake cable from the brake mechanism by pinching arms that hold the rubber pads together. This should allow you to unhook the cable from the mechanism. Loosen the bolt holding the main cable. The handlebar end of the brake cable will end in a round metal plug hidden inside the brake lever. This must be unhooked from inside the brake lever before the cable can be removed.
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3
Remove both gear and brake cables from the bike by pulling on the lever ends and sliding them through the housing. Set the black plastic housing aside for use with the new cables. (see Warnings)
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4
Prepare the new cables. Lightly apply a lubricant purchased from a specialist bike store. Bicycle mechanics typically use a light bearing grease or a chain lubricant on cables.
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5
Attach the new cables to the bike by reversing step 3. Insert the derailleur and brake ends of the cables into the respective levers and thread them through the appropriate housing.
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6
Tighten the cable into bolts at the derailleur and brake end. Leave plenty of extra cable for now to allow for leeway for adjustment.
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7
You must now adjust the brakes and gears. Do this by loosening the bolt on the derailleur or brake end just enough for the cable to slide through with some effort. Pull the cable tighter or looser, as is appropriate. Then tighten bolt. See Resources for more information on adjusting your brakes and gears.
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8
Use the wire cutters to trim the cable ends so that a couple of inches of cable is left behind. Attach crimps to the cable ends to keep them from fraying.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Cables are usually held in place by Allen key bolts on the brakes and derailleurs and gear shifters, but are held in place on the other end by metal drums that are seated in the lever or shifter. You may have to flip a plastic cover to locate end of the metal cables on the gear shifters.
Be careful of the ends of metal wire. They can be extremely sharp. Always crimp your cables. If the brake or shifter housing is frayed or damaged, replace it.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit bicycle image by Sergey Danilov from Fotolia.com
