Replacing a Shifter Cable

If your shifter cable is rusted or damaged, then it is time to go ahead and replace them. A worn-out shifter cable or damaged cable house decreases the ability to use the brakes. Damaged shifter cables make the ability to shift to a smaller cog or chain ring hard and unreliable. This can be done in just a few short simple steps. The tools needed and step-by-step guide to perform this job is listed below. 

Step 1 – Loosen the Bolt

Shift into the small cog in the back and the small ring in the front. On the shift lever, there should be a cable leading near the front gears. You should see the front derailleur mechanism. Loosen the bolt that holds the cable to the derailleur using a screwdriver or Allen wrench. Only loosen the bolt without removing completely.

Step 2 – Loosen the Rear Derailleur Cable

You will then loosen the cable that attaches on to the rear derailleur just as you did the front derailleur. The loose cables can be put through the cable housing.

Step 3 - Remove the Old Shifter Cables

With a pair of pliers, pull out both of the old shifter cables all the way out and discard them.

Step 4 – Grease the New Shifter Cables 

Use oil or grease to grease the new shifter cable before the installation. Greasing the cables can help to avoid corrosion.

Step 5 – Put the New Shifter Cable into the Slot

You can push the new cable in the left shifter hole. This cable will not maneuver through the hole easily, and therefore you will have to wiggle it or rotate it to get it through. Once you see the cable sticking out of the other end near the derailleur, you can just pull it through the rest of the way. There will be a good amount of extra cable. Put the new cable into the slot on the derailleur where you removed the old cable from. There may be a bolt that has a hole in it, or there may be a clamp on the derailleur. Pull the cable tight using a pair of pliers, while tightening the bolt at the same time. Repeat these steps with the right shifter cable when replacing the cable to the rear derailleur.

Step 6 – Clip the Extra Cable

The extra cable can be clipped. After clipping the extra cable, you will need to use a piece of metal to cover the sharp end of it. Heavy duty waterproof tape may also be used.

Step 7 – Adjust the Derailleur

When you finish clipping the extra cable, adjust both of the derailleur both front and rear. Once the derailleur is adjusted correctly, shifting has been completed.