Menu

Sign in
Replace

Replace a brake cable and housing

Remove the old cable, cut new housing, thread the new cable, tension and clamp it at the brake, then crimp an end cap. This guide is still being written.

Difficulty
Intermediate
Time
40 minutes

This guide is still being written: only the main steps are described for now.

Safety

  • Use brake cable and brake housing, never gear housing. Gear housing can burst under the load of hard braking.
  • Before riding, squeeze the lever very hard about ten times to settle the cable, then check that the clamp bolt has not let the cable slip.

Tools you need

  • Cable cutter

  • Allen keys

    Otherwise: Multi-tool

  • Pliers

    Otherwise: Adjustable wrench

Step 4Tension and clamp the cable

Screw the barrel adjuster on the lever or the brake almost fully in, then back it out one turn: that leaves you adjustment in both directions. Hold the brake arms squeezed against the rim, or the mechanical caliper's arm closed, and pull the cable tight with the pliers to take up the slack.

Tighten the cable clamp bolt with the Allen keys (or else Multi-tool), firmly but without crushing the strands. Release the brake, then set the gap of the blocks or pads with the barrel adjuster: the lever should turn firm well before it reaches the handlebar.

See it on my bike

Read next

  • Check

    Check cables, housing and hoses

    Frayed or sticky cables, split housing, pinched or weeping hoses — the links between your hands and your brakes and gears, checked one by one.

    Easy · 10 minutes

  • Check

    Check rim brakes

    Brake blocks, their position on the rim, rim wear and lever feel — a full round of your rim brakes in ten minutes, with hardly any tools.

    Easy · 10 minutes