Changing rear cable on Ultegra

bcmf · 02-02-2009 10:48am #1

Guys,
My rear mach is playing up.Last nite took it off and cleaned it and cassette.Now the lever seems to be getting jammed and just not working right.I am gonna change the cable but have never done it before.Any helpful links tips before I make a complete dogs of the whole lot?

Explosive_Cornflake · 02-02-2009 10:52am

It's not too hard. Just buy a gear cable set, and copy what's on the bike already. You'll need a good snips/pliers to cut the cable, and I use a file to get rid of the rough egdes from the cable. Practice on a bit first, but gear cable isn't too bad, as the strands run longitudally.

bcmf · 02-02-2009 11:32am

yeah I tjought that.I just cant see where the nipple is.Let me have a coffee and a think about it.

victorcarrera · 02-02-2009 11:32am

First prove that the cable is/is not the problem as follows.
1. Release cable from derailer and keep it tensioned with one hand while operating the A and B shifter levers in sequence. It should step freely and levers move without resistance.
2. Check that inner & outer cable was not twisted/kinked/frayed during installation.
3. Lubricate if necessary.
4. It is also convenient to check the free movement of your derailer now by operating it in with your thumb a few times.

5. If you need to change any parts all technical instructions are on shimano.com web site.

6. Very important to cut inner & outer cables properly.

bcmf · 02-02-2009 11:45am

Thanks Victor.
What was happening was that the shifting was becoming erratic regardless of tension.Was getting most of sprockets most of the time but a lot of the time the rear mech had to "think about it".Now I put this down to bot cassette,chain and mech being encased in mud and crap.
So they all got a clean last nite.
Now the rear will move by hand the full spectrum but the lever seems to be getting jammed.I bought the bike second hand so dont know when the cable was last changed.
Hopefully I dont need a new lever.

bcmf · 02-02-2009 11:59am

The more I am looking at this the more I am feeling that the cable is jammed inside the lever.

Explosive_Cornflake · 02-02-2009 12:58pm

A cable set is pretty cheap, and new cable (and outers more so) works wonders on a new bike. What kind of shifters are they?

bcmf · 02-02-2009 1:02pm

Ultegra Flightdeck.
The problem is I cant release the nipple to remove the cable.I feels like it is jammed inside and I cant move either lever (gears) to even see the nipple

victorcarrera · 02-02-2009 1:16pm

It may not be jammed. Maybe you just need to align the cable hole with the cable hook.
Try this.
Operate the B lever (the small one) at least 9 times to set shifter to highest gear.
Now depress the brake lever by about 3 to 5 centemeters this should line up the cable hole with the cable hook.
Push the inner cable, and the cable end (nipple) should pop out.
Reverse sequence to assemble.

bcmf · 02-02-2009 1:25pm

GOT IT.
It wasnt the cable that was jammed but the actual barrel that moves the cable had jammed.A bit of jiggery pokery with the barrel and VOILA!!!!!.
Now to put all the springs back on that I took off back on :eek:

kenmc · 02-02-2009 1:42pm

You took your shifter apart?
uh oh.
Out with the credit card I'd say.

bcmf · 02-02-2009 1:47pm

Not really.Only the covers and the spring at the front Shouldnt be a problem
Thanks for your help guys

Explosive_Cornflake · 02-02-2009 2:28pm

Let us know if you get it back together. I took one apart before when I was a bit more naïve, never got it back right

bcmf · 02-02-2009 4:43pm

Right the lot is back together.from 1st test it seems like I will need new shifters.Will get on the rollers and see what happens after that its LBS to see what they say.
Cornflake dont really know if I can help you with re-assembly!

Changing rear cable on Ultegra

Comments