Replacing the brake cables on your Shimano BR-5700 [paid link] caliper brakes is essential maintenance that ensures consistent, powerful stopping performance. Over time, brake cables can stretch, fray, or corrode, reducing braking responsiveness and potentially compromising safety. This guide walks through the complete process of replacing your brake cables on the BR-5700 [paid link], ensuring optimal brake modulation and lever feel.
Tools Required
- 5mm Allen wrench [paid link]
- Cable cutters
- New brake cable and housing set (compatible with Shimano road calipers)
- Cable end caps and ferrules
- Cable puller (optional but recommended)
- Torque wrench [paid link] (optional but ideal for precision)
- Light grease or cable lubricant
- Phillips screwdriver (if adjusting lever reach)
Understanding the BR-5700 Brake System Design
The Shimano BR-5700 [paid link] is part of the 105 groupset and features dual-pivot caliper brakes. These brakes rely on a well-tensioned cable system to transmit lever input to the calipers efficiently. The internal routing of the cables, especially in modern drop-bar setups, demands precision during installation to avoid friction, binding, or loss of brake force.
The brake cable connects the brake lever to the caliper arm, threading through housing that protects it from dirt and debris. For optimal performance, both the inner cable and outer housing must be in good condition and properly installed.
Preparation Before Replacement
Before starting, it’s important to inspect your existing setup. Check whether both the front and rear brakes require cable replacement or if only one needs service. If you’re upgrading the entire system or experiencing inconsistent braking, replacing both cables is advisable.
Also, assess your handlebar tape. If your brake cable is routed under the bar tape, you may need to unwrap and later rewrap it.
Removing the Old Brake Cable
Begin by shifting the brake lever to its relaxed position to relieve cable tension. Use the 5mm Allen wrench [paid link] to loosen the cable anchor bolt on the caliper arm. Once the cable is free, pull it out from the brake lever. If resistance is felt, check for frayed ends or corrosion that may be causing drag.
Remove the old cable housing if it shows signs of wear, kinks, or cracking. Discard damaged or dirty ferrules and end caps. Any obstruction or drag in the housing will compromise brake efficiency.
Installing New Cable Housing and Inner Cable
Cut new cable housing sections to match the length of the old ones, ensuring smooth routing with no sharp bends. Use proper cable cutters to avoid compressing the housing, and install new ferrules on both ends.
Insert the new inner cable into the brake lever and thread it through the housing. Ensure the cable glides smoothly—apply a light layer of grease or cable-specific lubricant for reduced friction and extended life.
Route the cable through the top or side entry (depending on frame design) and down to the brake caliper. Ensure the housing seats correctly in the cable stops along the frame.
Securing the Cable to the BR-5700 Caliper
At the caliper arm, thread the inner cable through the anchor bolt. Pull the cable taut while manually squeezing the brake arms against the rim. This method approximates the correct pad spacing. Tighten the anchor bolt securely with a 5mm Allen wrench [paid link]. If available, use a cable puller to maintain cable tension as you tighten.
Check the cable path for any kinks or tight angles. The BR-5700’s spring tension should retract the arms cleanly without dragging.
Brake Pad Alignment and Centering
Once the cable is secured, inspect the brake pad alignment. The pads should strike the rim evenly without touching the tire or dipping below the braking surface. Use the 5mm Allen wrench to adjust pad placement if needed.
Then, use the centering screw on top of the caliper to center the brake arms. A centered caliper ensures both pads engage the rim simultaneously, improving modulation and stopping power.
Fine-Tuning Cable Tension and Lever Feel
Operate the brake lever multiple times to pre-stretch the cable. Then, use the barrel adjuster—located on the caliper or brake lever—to fine-tune the tension. A properly adjusted system should allow for 2–3mm of lever movement before pad contact.
If the lever feels too firm or spongy, recheck the housing length and routing. Incorrect routing can increase friction and impair response.
Crimp a cable end cap onto the excess cable to prevent fraying. If you’re rewrapping bar tape, now’s the time to finish that process as well.
When to Replace the Brake Cable Again
Monitor cable performance regularly. Indicators for replacement include sluggish lever return, increased lever travel, or visible cable fraying. Under normal conditions, brake cables should be replaced at least once a year—or more frequently for high-mileage or all-weather riders.
FAQs
1. Can I reuse my old cable housing when replacing the inner cable?
If the housing is clean, free of corrosion, and not kinked, it can be reused. However, replacing the housing with the inner cable ensures the smoothest performance.
2. Why does my brake lever feel spongy after replacing the cable?
A spongy feel typically results from improper cable tension or housing compression. Recheck your routing and use the barrel adjuster to fine-tune tension.
3. Do I need a cable puller for this job?
While not strictly necessary, a cable puller helps maintain consistent tension during installation, especially for precision braking setups.
4. What lubricant should I use for brake cables?
Use a light synthetic grease or a dedicated cable lubricant to reduce friction. Avoid heavy oils that attract dirt.
5. How do I know if my brake pads need replacing during cable installation?
Inspect pad wear indicators. If the grooves are gone or the pad surface is uneven, replace them to ensure consistent braking.
6. Is the BR-5700 compatible with modern Shimano levers?
The BR-5700 is best matched with Shimano STI levers designed for 10-speed systems. Mixing with 11-speed or GRX systems may cause inconsistent pull ratios.
By following this guide, your Shimano BR-5700 brake cables will be expertly replaced, ensuring dependable braking under all riding conditions. Proper cable installation directly translates to safer, more responsive stopping power.