How to Replace a Rear Brake Cable

  • Step 1 Rear Brake Cable

    • Using the smart wrench and socket wrench, remove the nuts that are holding the connector to the old brake line.

    • After taking apart the connector, slide the screw off the brake line.

    • The nut may be difficult to remove if it has not been removed for a while.

    • Keep in mind the order the parts came off the connector. This will make reassembly easier.

  • Step 2

    • Remove the cable housing from its holders.

    • Slide the housing off the brake cable.

  • Step 3

    • Remove the second cable housing from its holder.

    • Unscrew the other end of the housing from the brake.

    • Remove the housing from the cable.

  • Step 4

    • Apply pressure to the brake to reveal the end of the brake cable.

    • Remove the cable from its holder within the brake.

    • Pull the remaining cable through the brake.

  • Step 5

    • Flip your bike to make the brake housing more visible.

    • Insert the new brake cable into the brake housing.

  • Step 6

    • Slide the cable housing onto the new cable.

    • Re-insert the housing back into its holders.

  • Step 7

    • Slide the rear cable housing onto the new brake cable.

    • Re-insert the housing into its holders.

  • Step 8

    • Slide the screw and washer onto the end of the brake cable.

    • Slide the connector of over the screw and tighten the nut and washer on the other end by hand, so it can slide along the brake cable.

  • Step 9

    • Flip bike back right-side-up.

    • Slide the connector up near the housing holder. About an inch between the connector and holder should be fine.

    • Using the smart wrench and 10mm socket wrench, tighten the nut so it grips the brake line firmly.

    • Using wire-cutters, cut the extra cable so only about an inch remains.

  • Step 10

    • You can recycle the old brake cable for this.

    • Insert the end of the brake cable with a "nub" into the slot on the rear left brake.

    • Slide the cable onto the slot on the connector.

    • Slide the other end of the cable into the holder on the right rear brake.

    • Pull the cable to clamp down the brakes so they almost touch the rim of the wheel.

    • Tighten the screw so the cable does not come loose.