Author Topic: Brake cable ferrule problem  (Read 2027 times)

Tim Hall

  • Victoria is my queen
Brake cable ferrule problem
« on: 21 February, 2017, 10:07:54 pm »
I'm fettling a cheap MTB type thing, including replacing all the cables, inners and outers.

The brake levers have knurled adjusters at the cable exit point, with a recess to take the end of the outer.  The plastic ferrules I have are a smidgeon too big for the recess, so they don't fit in. Careful shaving of the outside of the ferrule removes enough plastic so they can be wedged in. However, they don't spin freely, so adjusting the brakes is difficult tending to impossible.  The outers I removed had crimped on metal ferrules which fitted nicely.

Do I:

A. Run the brakes without ferrules
B. Shave off a smidge more plastic
C. Drill out the recess a bit, so the plastic ferrule fits
D. Other

?
There are two ways you can get exercise out of a bicycle: you can
"overhaul" it, or you can ride it.  (Jerome K Jerome)

Re: Brake cable ferrule problem
« Reply #1 on: 21 February, 2017, 10:13:13 pm »
Get the right ferrules ?
Rust never sleeps

Re: Brake cable ferrule problem
« Reply #2 on: 21 February, 2017, 10:28:58 pm »
Hi Tim. Don't give the bike the appearance of an even cheaper bike than it might already be - do the job properly.

E'bay will help you fettle-it and at reasonable cost - who-ever is paying for the ferrules.
Your ears are your rear-end defenders,keep them free of clutter and possibly live longer.

Tim Hall

  • Victoria is my queen
Re: Brake cable ferrule problem
« Reply #3 on: 21 February, 2017, 10:35:13 pm »
Hi Tim. Don't give the bike the appearance of an even cheaper bike than it might already be - do the job properly.

E'bay will help you fettle-it and at reasonable cost - who-ever is paying for the ferrules.
<smacks head> Of course, Ebay.  I still think of buying bike stuff from, umm, bike shops (or Halfords, which is where the plastic ferrules came from).
There are two ways you can get exercise out of a bicycle: you can
"overhaul" it, or you can ride it.  (Jerome K Jerome)

Re: Brake cable ferrule problem
« Reply #4 on: 22 February, 2017, 12:28:24 am »
metal ferrules are the thing here; they are thinner walled and are stronger than plastic ones too.   LBS ought to have a pot of them.

cheers

Re: Brake cable ferrule problem
« Reply #5 on: 22 February, 2017, 12:28:10 pm »
I've got a couple of pots of them at home, Tim.
If it can wait I can stick a selection in tomorrow's post - If you like.

Tim Hall

  • Victoria is my queen
Re: Brake cable ferrule problem
« Reply #6 on: 22 February, 2017, 05:07:34 pm »
I've got a couple of pots of them at home, Tim.
If it can wait I can stick a selection in tomorrow's post - If you like.

Jurek, that would be great as I haven't had time  to go back to the LBS.  Paul Smith says hello from there though.
There are two ways you can get exercise out of a bicycle: you can
"overhaul" it, or you can ride it.  (Jerome K Jerome)

Re: Brake cable ferrule problem
« Reply #7 on: 22 February, 2017, 09:57:33 pm »
I've got a couple of pots of them at home, Tim.
If it can wait I can stick a selection in tomorrow's post - If you like.

Jurek, that would be great as I haven't had time  to go back to the LBS.  Paul Smith says hello from there though.
Postal stuffs  arranged. Doff my non-existant cap to the inimitable Mr.Smith at your next available opportunity,
JB

Adam

  • It'll soon be summer
    • Charity ride Durness to Dover 18-25th June 2011
Re: Brake cable ferrule problem
« Reply #8 on: 23 February, 2017, 07:49:50 pm »
Many cheap bikes I see don't come with ferrules on the brake lever end.

And speaking of ferrules, I'd avoid the metal sort, as they start rusting within a month or so.
“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.” -Albert Einstein

Re: Brake cable ferrule problem
« Reply #9 on: 23 February, 2017, 09:29:15 pm »
the most common type of ferrule for this job is made of brass, nickel plated.

 They do not rust.

cheers

Kim

  • Timelord
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Re: Brake cable ferrule problem
« Reply #10 on: 23 February, 2017, 09:31:34 pm »
I can't say I've had one rust, though I've seen BSOs so afflicted.

Re: Brake cable ferrule problem
« Reply #11 on: 26 February, 2017, 06:06:51 pm »
Sound like your best bet is to source some new factory-crimped cables. Although apart from cosmetic purposes, I always understood that you don't need ferrules on the end of brake outers because they're wound spirally and don't compress (and fray) under axial loads the way that gear cables do.
'Something....something.... Something about racing bicycles, but really a profound metaphor about life itself.'  Tim Krabbé. Possibly

Re: Brake cable ferrule problem
« Reply #12 on: 26 February, 2017, 07:02:42 pm »
Pop down to Wilkinsons and buy some cheap cables with outer space and ferrules already fitted.

Used extensively on many bikes I've used and up to the task you describe.

Re: Brake cable ferrule problem
« Reply #13 on: 26 February, 2017, 07:03:45 pm »
if there is room for ferrules, and/or the barrel adjuster is slotted, you should always fit them.

cheers

Biggsy

  • A bodge too far
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Re: Brake cable ferrule problem
« Reply #14 on: 26 February, 2017, 07:12:16 pm »
It's true that brake cable housing is strong enough without a ferrule, but still it seems to make sense to use one for certain mismatches between cable and receptical.

There are cases where a ferrule would jam inconveniently, like in some Ergo levers.
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