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-   -   Excess brake cable sheared off... (https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-mechanics/109650-excess-brake-cable-sheared-off.html)

Binda 05-26-05 12:18 PM

Excess brake cable sheared off...
 
On my rear v-brake the excess cable sheared off (the part that has the little metal crimper/nub thing on it - real techinical terminology, I know). I bump it with my foot a lot, so I'm assuming that's why it happened.

Besides the fact that I keep scraping my leg on it, is this a big deal? I really don't want to be w/o a bike for a day while they fix it...but if it means my rear brake cable will slip and come undone, then I'll bring it in.

Thoughts? Can I ask them to make the excess shorter or something?

- b

spider-man 05-26-05 12:27 PM

It sounds like you probably just knocked off the crimp from the end of the cable. It would be unusual to break off part of the cable by brushing against it.

The only purpose of the crimp I'm aware of is that it keeps you from cutting yourself (or others) on the sharp cable ends. If you don't have any, you could put a piece of used chewing gum over the sharp end. And the next time you are at your LBS, ask them for a crimp or two--they will almost certainly give you some for free.

white lobster 05-26-05 12:44 PM

If you bump a cable enough, it's definitely possible to break off the loose end, right past the anchot bolt. This isn't good because if the cable slips at all, you'll quickly find yourself without a brake.

If it were my bike, I'd ride it for a day or two after making sure that the anchor bolt was good and tight. If it were a customer's bike, I would not be ok with them riding out the door. You know, liability, etc. It's your call.

Also, you should be able to tuck the loose end of the cable somewhere under the brake arm so that it doesn't flail around.

royalflash 05-26-05 01:01 PM

as long as the cable is Ok up to the anchor bolt there is no problem. The main thing to avoid is that without the crimp the cable might start to unravel. So get a new crimp on it or put some super glue or solder or something on the end of the cable

Binda 05-26-05 01:45 PM

Well, it's broken off right after the anchor bolt - I just went and looked at it. There is one strand of wire holding the rest of the cable on w/the crimp on it.

Damn...maybe I'll have to drop it off tomorrow. It'd be a bugger to lose my brakes... :)

Def. scratched the hell out of my leg today though - I didn't even realize it 'till we were done and my leg was bloody. Guess that means it must have been a good ride, huh? :D

- b

Retro Grouch 05-26-05 06:25 PM

Brushing the cable with your foot will eventually cause the excess to break off right at the clamp. It'll be OK until you have to adjust it for any reason, then you won't be able to get the cable back into the clamp again and will have to get a new one. I wouldn't worry about the cable slipping out of the clamp. If brakes did that, they would gradually loosen all the time.

How to prevent the problem in the future: Whenever you have a new cable installed, make sure that the mechanic cuts the new cable at least 3 inches past the clamp. Bend the cable down parallel to the brake arm and secure it with a small zip tie.

dirtbikedude 05-26-05 07:15 PM


Originally Posted by Binda
Well, it's broken off right after the anchor bolt - I just went and looked at it. There is one strand of wire holding the rest of the cable on w/the crimp on it.

- b

If there is only one strand holding the cable on you should have it replaced immediatley. You dont want to find out you have no rear brakes after it is to late.

:beer:

phidauex 05-26-05 10:53 PM

Like mentioned, if the cable is good up to the anchor bolt, don't worry about it for now, just keep that anchor bolt tight, and don't adjust your brakes.

When you have some time to mess with it, replace that cable (you probably won't even have to replace housings, unless they are getting pretty worn too), which should cost about 4 dollars, and can be done by yourself if you want, or in a few minutes at the shop.

Its not urgent, but you'll want to fix it when you get a chance.

peace,
sam

dirtbikedude 05-27-05 08:58 AM


Originally Posted by phidauex
Like mentioned, if the cable is good up to the anchor bolt, don't worry about it for now, just keep that anchor bolt tight, and don't adjust your brakes.

When you have some time to mess with it, replace that cable (you probably won't even have to replace housings, unless they are getting pretty worn too), which should cost about 4 dollars, and can be done by yourself if you want, or in a few minutes at the shop.

Its not urgent, but you'll want to fix it when you get a chance.

peace,
sam

I said it is urgent because she stated that there is only one strand, not the whole cable holding the cable in the anchor bolt. One good pull of the lever can/may pull it right out.

:beer:

halfbiked 05-27-05 10:25 AM


Originally Posted by dirtbikedude
I said it is urgent because she stated that there is only one strand, not the whole cable holding the cable in the anchor bolt. One good pull of the lever can/may pull it right out.

I think she said there's one strand holding the crimped end on. I'm with phidaux, don't worry about it. One good test is pulling hard on the lever and trying to move the wheel. I doubt one strand would hold at all.

Binda 05-27-05 12:36 PM

the cable was good up until the anchor bolt - it was the excess that was only being held on my a strand or two.

I dropped it off at the shop today (it's rainy, and I have to work anyways - it'll be done by tomorrow). They said it'll be $1.75 for cable- figured I can afford that. :)

Thanks for the replies guys. I appreciate it. I'll make sure to wrap the excess somewhere where it won't get bent up again.

- b


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