Skip to Main Content

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

Please Note: Process may vary slightly for brake and seatpost cables and 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!

evo has one of the largest selections of bike gear on the web, a super knowledgeable staff, and expert guides to help you make an informed decision.
 

 

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

Learn More With Our Other Bike Guides:

Learn About our Favorite Bike Gear:

This is evo. We are a ski, snowboard, wake, skate, bike, surf, camp, and clothing online retailer with physical stores in SeattlePortlandDenver, Salt Lake City, Whistler, and Snoqualmie Pass. Our goal is to provide you with great information to make both your purchase and upkeep easy.

evo also likes to travel to remote places across the globe in search of world-class powder turns, epic waves, or legendary mountain biking locations through evoTrip Adventure Travel Trips. Or, if you prefer to travel on your own, check out our ski & snowboard resort travel guides and mountain bike trail guides.

 

Still have questions? Please call our customer care team at 1.866.386.1590 during Customer Care Hours. They can help you find the right setup to fit your needs.