 Tools:
5mm
Allen Key, Cable Cutters,
Pliers, Cross-Head Screwdriver
Parts: Gear Cable Set
Time: 20-40 minutes
A cable usually
needs to be replaced if there are signs of fraying
or kinking and/or shifting has been adversely
effected. It's worth pointing out that the cable
may just need cleaning (see Cable
Maintenance). For example, if there is a
build up of cack in the cable housing which is
preventing the cable from moving freely within it.
The cable housing may also need replacing if it is
worn or kinked but whatever you
do, don't try and interchange brake and gear
cables or brake and gear cable housing.
1.
The cable is clamped to the derailleur (the
'mech') by an Allen
bolt or nut, which you need to undo. If there is a
cable end cap, remove that with the pliers (As
there are variations in the design and positioning
of different derailleur and gear shifters, the way
you access and adjust the gear cable may vary). As
you slide the cable out of the housing it may be a
good idea to place the housing and housing caps in
a line so you can see the order in which they need
to be replaced.
2.
You will usually have to unscrew a small cover
plate (depending on the design) from the gear
shifters to remove the gear cable. If you have
Shimano Rapidfire shifters, push the upshift
button until the head of the cable shows and then
pull it out. If you have a different shifting
mechanism then accessing the gear cable could be
more complicated so if you aren't confident about
finding you're way round the shifters then I
recommend taking your bike to your dealer. You
shouldn't dismantle anything you're not sure of,
so don't, because I'd hate to say I told you so!
 3.
Feeding in the new cable is pretty easy, just do
what you did to remove it in reverse and remember
to use the new cable housing in place of the old
stuff (Before you feed the cable through the
housing it's a good idea to lubricate the insides
with a thin lube such as GT-85).
Once you've tightened up the Allen bolt or
nut, pull the exposed cable on the down tube or
top tube sideways to pre-stretch it, then loosen
and retighten the Allen bolt or nut to take up any
of the slack generated.
4.
Finally, using the cable cutters (don't use pliers
for this because you'll just fray the cable) cut
the cable leaving a couple of inches and then
crimp the cable end cap around the end of the
cable using the pliers. After you've given the
cable a few days to bed in chances are you'll need
to adjust the cable slightly. You can do so by
unscrewing the barrel adjuster a little.
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