How to Replace the Cable on Your Campagnolo Ekar 13s Disc Brake Front Derailleur for Better Performance

Posted on
in No category

Replacing the cable on your Campagnolo Ekar 13s Disc Brake [paid link] front derailleur is an essential maintenance task to ensure optimal shifting performance. A well-maintained derailleur ensures smooth gear changes, extends the life of your drivetrain, and improves the overall riding experience. This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to replace the cable effectively.

Tools Required

  • 5mm Allen wrench [paid link]
  • Cable cutters
  • Chain whip or derailleur hanger tool (for cable removal)
  • Needle nose pliers
  • Torque wrench [paid link] (optional)
  • Clean rag
  • Lubricant for the cable
  • New gear cable
  • Housing (if needed)

Removing the Old Cable

Before installing the new cable, you need to properly remove the old one. Here’s how:

  1. Shift to the Smallest Chainring and Cog: Begin by shifting the front derailleur to the smallest chainring and the smallest cog on the rear cassette. This will relieve tension on the derailleur and cable.
  2. Loosen the Cable Anchor Bolt: Use your 5mm Allen wrench [paid link] to loosen the cable anchor bolt on the front derailleur. This will release the cable from the derailleur. Make sure not to lose the bolt, as it’s important for securing the new cable.
  3. Remove the Cable from the Derailleur: Once the anchor bolt is loosened, pull the cable out from the derailleur. If the cable is rusted or jammed, use pliers to carefully pull it free.
  4. Remove the Cable from the Housing: If the cable housing needs to be replaced, remove the cable from the housing by pulling it out completely. Make sure to inspect the condition of the housing and replace it if it shows signs of wear or damage.
  5. Remove the Old Cable: Finally, pull the cable out from the frame. If necessary, use a chain whip or derailleur hanger tool to remove any difficult-to-reach portions of the cable from the frame.

Installing the New Cable

Once the old cable is removed, it’s time to install the new cable. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a smooth and accurate installation:

  1. Prepare the New Cable: Cut the new gear cable to the necessary length using cable cutters. Make sure to leave a little extra length to ensure it fits well with your derailleur.
  2. Lubricate the Cable: Apply a light layer of lubricant to the new cable to reduce friction and ensure smooth movement through the housing.
  3. Insert the Cable into the Housing: Begin by threading the cable through the housing, ensuring it runs cleanly from the front derailleur to the frame. If you’re replacing the housing, make sure it fits snugly in place and is cut to the right length.
  4. Install the Cable into the Front Derailleur: Insert the new cable into the front derailleur’s cable entrance. Be careful to follow the path the cable should take. Once the cable is positioned properly, pull it tight and secure it in place.
  5. Tighten the Cable Anchor Bolt: Using your 5mm Allen wrench [paid link], tighten the cable anchor bolt to secure the cable. Be sure to pull the cable tight before tightening the bolt to prevent slack.

Adjusting the Front Derailleur

With the new cable in place, you need to make sure the front derailleur is properly adjusted to ensure smooth shifting:

  1. Check the Derailleur Position: The front derailleur should be aligned with the chainrings. Ensure it is parallel to the chainrings and positioned at a height that allows smooth shifting without hitting the chain.
  2. Test the Shifting: Shift through the gears on the bike, paying particular attention to the front derailleur. If the derailleur struggles to shift or makes unusual noises, adjust the cable tension.
  3. Adjust the Cable Tension: To fine-tune the cable tension, use the barrel adjuster located on the shifter or the derailleur. Turning the barrel adjuster clockwise increases the tension, while turning it counterclockwise decreases the tension. Test the shifting after each adjustment until you get smooth and accurate shifts.
  4. Limit Screw Adjustment: Ensure that the limit screws on the front derailleur are set correctly. The high and low limit screws should prevent the derailleur from overshooting the chainrings and causing mis-shifts. The derailleur should be able to shift to the largest and smallest chainrings without overextending.

Final Inspection

After installation, double-check the following points:

  • Secure Cable: Make sure the cable is properly anchored at the derailleur and free of any slack.
  • Smooth Shifting: Test the shifting multiple times to ensure that the derailleur shifts cleanly between chainrings.
  • No Friction or Binding: Ensure the cable moves smoothly through the housing without friction or binding that could interfere with shifting.

Conclusion

Replacing the cable on your Campagnolo Ekar 13s Disc Brake [paid link] front derailleur is a straightforward process that can greatly improve the performance of your bike. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to replace the cable and fine-tune your front derailleur for optimal shifting performance. Regular maintenance and cable replacement will ensure your Campagnolo Ekar 13s [paid link] system continues to deliver smooth, reliable performance for miles to come.