How To Replace Internal Bike Cable and Housing

Items Required To Replace An Internal Cable + Housing

• Cable Snips/Pliers
• Fresh Housing
• Fresh Cable
• Housing Ferrels
• Cable Tips
• Flathead Screwdriver
• 5 mm Allen Wrench
• Zip Ties

Steps For Replacing Internal Shifter Cable + Housing

1. Snip the cable from the derailleur end, leaving it as long as possible.


2. Release the cable housing from the bike by snipping zip ties. Take into consideration the frame and routing configuration of your bike. You will be removing the housing from inside the bike frame, while leaving the cable itself. This will help you guide the fresh housing through the frame. On our example bike, the cable is routed through the downtube.


3. Remove the old cable housing by pulling it through the downtube.


4. Slide the new section of cable housing over the cable. Continue to feed the cable housing through the frame, using the existing cable as a guide until it comes out the other end.


5. You can now remove the old cable from the new cable housing, pulling a bit of excess housing through so it does not slide into the frame.


6. Remove the old cable housing from the shifter.


7. Insert the new cable housing into the shifter.


8. Place a ferrel onto the cable housing end and feed the new cable through the cable housing and frame.


9. Connect the cable to the rear derailleur.


10. Make sure the cable housing is securely fastened to the frame using zip ties.


11. Trim off the excess cable, leaving about 1.5".


12. Using pliers, clamp a cable tip over the cable end so it does not fray.

Voila! You are now set with fresh cable and housing. Shred on!

Need a tune up? Bring your bike in for maintenance at any of our flagship locations for assistance:

• Seattle Bike Services
• Portland Bike Services
• Denver Bike Services
• Salt Lake City Bike Services
• Snoqualmie Pass Bike Services
• Whistler Bike Services

Learn More With Our Other Bike Guides:

• Mountain Bikes - How to Choose
• Mountain Bikes - Size and Fit Guide
• Mountain Bikes - How to Get Started Mountain Biking
• Mountain Bikes - How to Choose a Wheel Size
• Mountain Bikes - Suspension Basics
• Mountain Bikes - How to Choose a Mountian Bike Dropper Post
• Mountain Bikes - How to Choose MTB Handlebars
• Mountain Bikes - How to Choose MTB Pedals
• Mountain Bikes - How to Change Bike Pedals
• Mountain Bikes - How to Clean
• Mountain Bikes - How to Bleed SRAM Brakes
• Mountain Bikes - How to Bleed Shimano Brakes
• Mountain Bikes - How to Convert to Tubeless Tires
• Mountain Bikes - How to Replace Internal Cable Housing
• Mountain Bikes - How to Adjust Your Rear Derailleur
• Mountain Bikes - How to Bleed a RockShox Reverb Seatpost
• Mountain Bikes - How to Service Fox and RockShox Fork Lowers
• Mountain Biking - What to Bring Mountain Biking
• Mountain Biking - What to Wear Mountain Biking
• Mountain Biking - How to Choose Knee Pads
• Bikes - Size and Fit Guide
• Gravel Bikes - How To Get Started Gravel Biking
• eBikes - Classes, Features & More
• eBikes - Where to Ride eBikes
• Bike Accessories - Helmet Size & Fit Guide
• Bike Accessories - How to Choose Bike Shoes
• Bikes - How to Choose Bike Tires
• Bikes - How to Change Bike Pedals
• Bikes - How to Repair & Replace a Bike Chain
• Bikes - How to Choose Accessories
• Bikes - Urban Riding Tips
• Travel & Destination Guides - Where to Mountain Bike

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