Brake Cables for Sale on Bike Chaser

HOW TO REPLACE BRAKE CABLES

Over time, as you use your bicycle brake cables, they gather dirt or get worn out. When this happens, you would notice deterioration in your braking. As soon as you change them, you are sure to notice that the braking will be smoother and much more efficient. To ensure you get the best experience, make sure you change your cables every year.

This guide specifically talks about replacing brake cables for straight handle bikes. Regardless, the process is quite similar for other bike types.

Setting Things Up

First, you need a new Shimano brake cable. When getting a new one, make sure it is the same as the one you already have. It should have the same nipple style at its end. You might also need an outer casing, an end cap, metal ferrules, with a wire cutter. When getting a cutter, make sure it is a professional one. If you don’t have one, ask your local bike shop to help you with cutting the mountain cable.

Before you remove a BMX brake cable, note how it is threaded around your bike. If you are likely to forget the way it was threaded, take a picture. When you want to fit the new one, you would use the picture as a guide.

Changing it out

Then, use an Allen Key to remove it from its clamp bolt.

Next, turn the barrel adjuster and have it lined up so that you can thread it through and ease it out. To expose the nest where the road bike cable nipple is, you need to pull the lever.

Pull it out and keep all its parts.

Check the casing for any kinks. If there are kinks, you would have to replace the casing. If you have a new housing, cut it to the same size as the old one. If you don’t have an old casing, get expert advice on the length you should cut it to.

If you cut the casing too long, it would affect the quality of the braking. Make sure you use high quality wire cutters to make sure they are cut square. You might need a screwdriver to clear the opening as it might get squashed.

If you have one with different nipples on both ends, use the one similar to the one you previously had. You should also apply a bit of grease to prevent rust.

Next, hook it to the lever. Pull up the lever and slip in the nipple to its nest. Slip it through the lever and into the barrel adjuster. Next, turn the barrel adjuster to prevent its escape. Then, slip its outer casing through the barrel adjuster.

Slip it through the camp bolt and tighten it a bit to hold it in place. Next, reconnect the brake. Then you should make other adjustments by pulling the wire through the clamp bolt. Do this by first undoing the clamp bolt.

Finishing Touches

Now you have to test it. Do this by pulling down the lever twice. This should fully engage the brakes. If it doesn’t, you need to do some readjustments.

Make sure all the required bolts are firmly in place. If there is excess wire, cut it off but leave 3 to 4 inches for future adjustment.

Finally, test your brakes to make sure everything is working fine.