I don’t have much experience working on bikes, but when I was tightening my brakes i noticed the woven steel wire is starting to come apart a bit. Now I’m thinking rust could get in there and eat the wire apart. Thoughts?
by GreednPower
I don’t have much experience working on bikes, but when I was tightening my brakes i noticed the woven steel wire is starting to come apart a bit. Now I’m thinking rust could get in there and eat the wire apart. Thoughts?
by GreednPower
10 Comments
It’s not ideal to see a cable like that, but it’s not a real life problem. If you’re concerned, replace the cable (which is fairly low quality, galvanized steel) with a stainless cable.
The damage is from the set screw and is showing up because you or someone adjusted the cable a bit tighter. It doesn’t affect the cable that’s being used to stop the bike with the brakes. You should be ok for a while.
This is normal. Im more worried about the rust on top in the photo. I think its time to replace your cables
Naah, the cable will function fine to operate the brake for a long time, even if rust gets in there.
However, when a cable frays, you may not be able to reuse if you loosen the anchor bolt. Usually brake cables hold up though.
Just make sure the end of the cable is capped
You can take a small tie wrap,get it tight around the cable, then twist and pull to reshape the cable twist. Then cut it and melt some plastic (think bottle cap) onto the end.
No. It’s not dangerous
…but the cable is obviously rusty…: I‘d recommend to put some drops of oil inside the bowden cable jacket….
“Don’t forget to lube your noodle” – The Bike Farmer
Since a set of brake cable costs about 10 bucks and since it is likely degraded all along its length, you should replace it.