Author Topic: [SOLVED] Replacing the derailleur cable ?  (Read 5755 times)

[SOLVED] Replacing the derailleur cable ?
« on: 16 March, 2018, 11:26:49 am »
Hello,

I'd like to replace the derailleur cable on a six-speed 2014 Brompton.

Problem is, even a 2mm Allen key is too big:



How do you loosen the bolt and remove the cable?

Thank you.

LittleWheelsandBig

  • Whimsy Rider
Re: Replacing the derailleur cable ?
« Reply #1 on: 16 March, 2018, 11:31:45 am »
I don't recall any particular difficulty when I last replaced a Brompton derailleur cable. Are you sure of the tool's size and that neither tool or bolt are deformed?

https://trade.brompton.com/Uploads/QPart/QPart-Datasheets/ds-cabdr.pdf
Wheel meet again, don't know where, don't know when...

Re: Replacing the derailleur cable ?
« Reply #2 on: 16 March, 2018, 02:04:55 pm »
As in the link above, it's definitely a 2mm allen key that's required.

(you'll want a high-quality one with sharp edges to tighten it, otherwise you'll just round it out)

Re: Replacing the derailleur cable ?
« Reply #3 on: 16 March, 2018, 02:19:53 pm »
As in the link above, it's definitely a 2mm allen key that's required.
When I read it, it says:
Quote
Slacken the small grub screw in the threaded nipple TN where the cable is anchored (1.5mm
hex key needed), and withdraw the cable

A 2mm hex key is needed for the H & L stops

Re: Replacing the derailleur cable ?
« Reply #4 on: 16 March, 2018, 02:22:19 pm »
Thanks much for the PDF.

Yes, it turns out it's a 1,5mm hex key for that part of the job:

"Slacken the small grub screw in the threaded nipple TN where the cable is anchored (1.5mm hex key needed), and withdraw the cable: take care not to lose the threaded nipple, which can drop out the moment the cable is withdrawn."


Re: [SOLVED] Replacing the derailleur cable ?
« Reply #5 on: 16 March, 2018, 03:03:07 pm »
Lo and behold, the alternative Suntour shifter.



Since it's originally meant to lock/unlock a telescopic fork, I don't expect it to last as long as the original, but I didn't have much space left after adding bar-ends on a P handlebar.

Thanks for the help.

rogerzilla

  • When n+1 gets out of hand
Re: [SOLVED] Replacing the derailleur cable ?
« Reply #6 on: 01 July, 2021, 11:53:29 am »
Just to update this thread a bit, the new "integrated" shifter from 2017 uses a different length cable which is fitted the other way round, with the soldered nipple at the shifter.  The dogleg and chainstay stops are also different, with a short cable already present inside the dogleg tube.  Heath Robinson would be proud - it makes the old arrangement seem simple.
Hard work sometimes pays off in the end, but laziness ALWAYS pays off NOW.