How To Lubricate Brake and Shift Cables
Cable lubrication is recommended, especially if you ride in the rain or have old cable housings.
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DownloadMost brake and shift cables these days have a plastic lining built into the housing, therefore eliminating the need for lubrication. However, if you ride a lot in wet weather, or have an older bike without the plastic lining, you’ll want to lubricate the cables to prevent rust. I personally believe that well-lubricated cables also improve braking and shifting.
Lubricant
I use Tri-flow to lubricate cables, as it is very effective at distributing itself evenly, and lasts a long time. Most bike shops carry it, or they may have a similar product that will work just as well. Make sure you shake the bottle before use, and have a rag handy to wipe off any excess.
Brake Cable Lubrication
Most brake and derailleur systems have some sort of quick release system that allow you to release the cable from it’s stop. Here it is demonstrated on a cantilever brake, but other systems like sidepull, U-brakes, and V-brakes have similar quick release mechanisms.
Once the brake is released, compress the lever, pull on the housing, and slide it through the barrel adjuster until the inner wire is exposed. Now carefully squeeze a few drops of oil onto the inner cable just above where it runs down into the housing. If the cable is vertical, the oil will penetrate the housing on its own.
Slide the cable housing back into the barrel adjuster and re-connect the brake.
Shifter Cable Lubrication
Rear Shift Cable
To lube the rear shift cable, first shift the gears until the chain is on the largest sprocket, and then stop the wheel from rotating.
With the freewheel stopped from moving, shift your shifter all the way in the opposite direction, as if you were going to shift to the smallest sprocket. The rear derailleur should now be stuck on the largest sprocket, which will give you enough slack to fully release the cable from the frame. Pull the upper section of the outer cable down leaving a section of inner cable exposed. Lube the cable the same way as the brake cable, and then reconnect the outer housing.
Now pull the lower section of housing free from the frame, and slide it away from the derailleur. Repeat the lubrication process and reconnect the housing. Don’t forget to move your rear shifter back to the largest sprocket before rotating the rear wheel.
Front Shift Cable
To lube the front shift cable, shift the front derailleur to the largest sprocket, and then stop the crank from rotating and move the shift lever all the way in the opposite direction. Disconnect and lube the upper housing of the front shift cable the same way as the rear. Reconnect the cable and once again make sure to shift the lever back where it was before rotating the crank.
Related Tutorials
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Recommended Books
Comments & Questions - Help Forums
8 Responses to “How To Lubricate Brake and Shift Cables”
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I always forget how to do this
thanks
I work in a Bridgestone shop, so I’m surrounded by every weight of motor oil known to man, and I’m trying to save money (something we all have less of now that the price of gas has gone insane). What weight of oil would you suggest for this and for other lubricating needs on a bike. I’ve heard parafin wax works good on chains. Anyone ever used it?
How To Choose the Right Lubricants
I personally don’t like working with wax lube. You can get regular waterproof chain oil (like Cross Country or Phil Wood) at you local bike shop for $10-15. For cables and pivot points, a lighter lube like Tri-Flow works great.
If you’re needing to work, ‘on the cheap’, I know people who swear by using chainsaw chain lubricant. I haven’t used it, but one friend who does, and who is quite a good wrench claims it works just fine.
Chainsaw oil might be too thick for the inside of cable housings, but it should work fine on a chain.
The information is very useful. Thanks.
Great vids. I look forward to more!
Here”s the steps I use to clean and lube cables.
Motion pro cable luber ( lube tool)
Contact cleaner (spray with nozel)
Motion pro cable lube (spray with nozel)
Shop rag
Redline grease (small tube)
Step one: Disconnect cable from lever
Step two: Connect lube tool to cable , contact cleaner nozel inserted in lube tool and cover with rag and spray until the other end of the cable clears in color.
( contact cleaner evaporates qiuckly)
Step three: Repeat step two with Motion pro cable lube until the other end of the cable shoots out the new cable lube. ( disconnect cable lube tool and wipe where needed.)
Step four: Apply redline grease in the slot of lever where the cable ball end goes , this prevents these parts from sticking. Finish installing cable on lever and your done.
My controls work like butter hopes this helps.