Bicycle Mechanics - In over my head, again (105 STI problems)

Just got back from the LBS, closed an hour ago. :mad:

So, I have the rest of the night to figure this out before I eat crow and limp back to the lbs for a repair on my online "deal" (Don't get me wrong, I use them all the time $$$. They are just not a Specialized dealer and that is what I wanted). :o

Anyway, my front derailuer cable started to fray at its' end and since I was having shifting problems anyway (kept having to tighten the barrel adjuster?), I figured it would be a simple fix/replace. Needless to say I've run into some problems.

First Issue: In removing the inner cable I released it from the derailuer, fed it thru the guide below the bb and removed the outer cable from the barrel-nut on the down tube. When low and behold there are ten or so long metal prongs sticking out of the end of the outer cable extending at varied lengths out to an inch. I've never seen this and had a bugger of a time trying to squeeze the prongs back thru the little hole. Is this normal?

Second Issue: Before I re-assembled, I tried to remove the inner cable from the lever. I tried with max tension on the lever ("no go" at all), and with the tension in the lever all the way out, which seems to be the way to go, right? Trouble is, I can't get the inner cable to slide out the way I was expecting. The cable and end piece would move out of the "cup" (I hope you know what I'm describing) about ½ inch, then it would not budge any further. What am I doing wrong here, I can't figure it out and the Manuals, S. Brown, and Shimano pages are of no help, as far as I could find).

Thanks,

ehenz

1. Those long wire fingers sticking out of your outer housing. That's the core cause of your shifting problem. You need to replace that outer housing because it's compressing. When that happens, your dereilleur will never hold it's adjustment for very long. Make sure that you replace the end caps that come with the housing.

2. Cycle the small shift lever several times until you are sure that the shifter is in the smallest chainring position. Take your cable cutters and get a clean cut on your cable so that it will slide easily through the cable housing and shifter. It should now just push out through the shifter on the side opposite the cable housing.

Did you look at the service manual?

You didn't state which model shifter you have, but they are probably all similar:

http://www.shimano-europe.com/cycling/phpimages/productserie/service_pdf/6BS0E.pdf

Forfeit the housing and whack off cable and housing a few inches from the shifter. Then remove the remains of the housing. You should be able to push the cable out of the shifter. If it has frayed at the stop you may need to fool with it some but it will come out. Now install a new cable and housing. I am fan of the 5mm housing, it seems to hold up better than the 4mm that is usually on a road bike.

Thanks a bunch guys, I'll give it a try and let you know how it goes.

Much appreciated,

ehenz

Up and running with new cable and housing :) !!! Picked up a new pair of shorts too.

Thanks again,

ehenz