 Tools:
Allen Keys, Pliers, Light
Lubricant, Degreaser,
Dry/Wax Based Lubricant, Old Rags
Time: 20-30 Minutes
Checking
your brake and gear cables regularly is definitely
something you should get into the habit of doing.
Dirty or worn cables or housing can seriously
affect braking and shifting. If the cables and
cable housing are just dirty then you can clean
them, but if the cable is worn or frayed or the
housing is kinked or damaged, then it's time to
replace them (see Replacing A Brake Cable and
Replacing A Front Or Rear Mech Cable).
Inspecting
Cables For Damage
First take a
look at the cable housing. Check for kinks or any
serious damage, such as exposed cable where there
shouldn't be. Next have a look at the bits of
cable you can see, checking for signs of fraying
and any serious damage. Remember, if either the
cable or cable housing is damaged it needs
replacing.
 Cleaning
Cables
If you can
feel or hear a grinding when the brakes are
applied, or if your having trouble shifting, it
may be time to clean your cables. Firstly you'll
need to remove the cable and the housing from the
bike. Undo the cable clamp at the brake arm or
derailleur with an Allen key, and carefully remove
the cable end cap with a pair of pliers - try not to fray or misshape
the end of the cable or it'll be dead hard to get
the cable back in, in which case you'll have to
use a new one.
 Place all
the bits in order so you know how to reassemble
them, then grab an old rag and give the cable a
good wipe down. If it's really mucky then use bit
of degreaser such as Finish
Line Ecotech Degreaser on the rag. Once you've
done that, check the cable stops on the frame
itself, as these are real dirt traps. Squirting a
light lube such as GT-85 in the housing is a great
way to quickly clean out all the crap - this works
well on the cable stops too. Remember to check
over other dirt traps such as the barrel adjuster.
Lubricating
Cables
Once your
cable is nice and clean, it's time to re-lube.
Don't use a heavy-duty chain lube or you'll find
the cables clog up with crap in no time. Using a
dry, wax based lube such as White
Lightning is the way to go.
Using an old rag (no not that one, a different
one) rub the lube into the cable until it's nice
and smooth.
Once you've
put the cable back on the bike, apply the
brakes/change up and down through the gears to
check everything is working ok.
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