How to Replace the Cable on Your FD-5700 Front Derailleur for Better Performance

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The Shimano FD-5700 [paid link] front derailleur, part of the 105 10-speed groupset, is a reliable component designed for precise and efficient shifting. Over time, the front derailleur cable can stretch, fray, or corrode, leading to sluggish or inconsistent shifting. Replacing the cable is a key maintenance task that restores crisp performance and ensures your drivetrain continues to operate smoothly. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step explanation of how to replace the cable on your FD-5700 [paid link] front derailleur, covering tools, installation, adjustments, and optimization.

Tools Required

  • 5 mm hex wrench
  • Cable cutters
  • New front derailleur cable (stainless steel recommended)
  • Cable end cap
  • Small flat-head screwdriver
  • Torque wrench [paid link] (optional but recommended)

Preparing the Bike for Cable Replacement

Before beginning, shift the chain onto the small chainring and smallest rear cog. This position reduces cable tension, making removal easier. Inspect the existing housing for wear, kinks, or cracks. If the housing is damaged, replacing it at the same time as the cable is highly recommended to prevent premature cable wear and ensure smoother shifting.

Cleaning the derailleur pivot points with a degreaser and lightly lubricating them before installation will also help improve performance and extend component life.

Removing the Old Cable

Begin by loosening the pinch bolt on the FD-5700 [paid link] derailleur using a 5 mm hex wrench. This will release the tension on the existing cable. Pull the cable free from the derailleur’s clamp plate. Next, move to the shifter and push the lever to its lowest gear position. Carefully pull the old cable out of the shifter body. If frayed ends are present, cut them cleanly with cable cutters to prevent damage to the shifter’s internal routing. Dispose of the old cable properly.

Installing the New Cable

Insert the new cable into the shifter body, ensuring it follows the designated path without kinks. Shimano 105 shifters have a clearly marked entry point, so carefully guide the cable through until it exits near the bottom bracket area. Thread the cable through the existing housing, checking for smooth passage. If resistance occurs, the housing may need to be replaced.

Once the cable exits the housing, route it along the frame guides toward the FD-5700 derailleur. Position the cable under the derailleur clamp plate according to Shimano’s specification, with the correct orientation to prevent slippage under tension. Pull the cable snug, then tighten the pinch bolt securely with a 5 mm hex wrench. Using a torque wrench [paid link], aim for Shimano’s recommended torque range of 6–7 Nm for the pinch bolt.

Setting Cable Tension

Proper cable tension is essential for reliable shifting. With the cable installed, actuate the shifter to move the derailleur between positions. If shifting feels slow or incomplete, slightly increase tension using the barrel adjuster located at the shifter or inline adjuster, if fitted. Conversely, if the derailleur overshifts past the large chainring, reduce tension incrementally until the cage aligns correctly.

The FD-5700 derailleur relies on precise cable pull ratios, so adjustments should be small and deliberate to avoid overcompensating.

Adjusting Limit Screws

Once the new cable is tensioned, fine-tuning the limit screws ensures that the derailleur guides the chain without overshifting. The FD-5700 uses two screws: the low limit screw controls inward travel toward the small chainring, while the high limit screw controls outward travel toward the large chainring.

Shift the chain to the small chainring and largest rear cog. Adjust the low limit screw until the inner cage plate sits 0.5–1 mm from the chain without rubbing. Then, shift to the large chainring and smallest rear cog. Adjust the high limit screw so the outer cage plate also clears the chain by 0.5–1 mm. These settings prevent chain drop and rubbing during gear changes.

Finishing the Installation

After adjustments are complete, trim the excess cable, leaving around 2–3 cm beyond the pinch bolt. Crimp a cable end cap to prevent fraying, which can interfere with shifting and cause injury during future maintenance. Double-check all adjustments by shifting through the full range of gears. Smooth, crisp transitions across chainrings indicate a successful installation.

Optimizing Performance After Cable Replacement

For the FD-5700 front derailleur, regular inspection and maintenance after a cable replacement help preserve performance. Recheck tension after the first few rides, as new cables can stretch slightly under load. Applying a light lubricant to the cable where it enters the housing can also reduce friction and extend cable life. Riders who frequently ride in wet or muddy conditions should consider upgrading to sealed cable housing systems for enhanced protection against contamination.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Improper routing of the cable under the derailleur clamp plate is one of the most common errors during installation. Incorrect orientation can cause slippage or insufficient clamping force, leading to poor shifting. Another mistake is failing to replace worn housing along with the cable, which can negate the benefits of a new cable. Over-tightening the pinch bolt can also damage the cable or clamp plate, reducing long-term reliability.

Conclusion

Replacing the cable on your Shimano FD-5700 front derailleur is a straightforward but precise maintenance task that significantly improves shifting performance. By following the correct procedure—removing the old cable, installing the new one, adjusting tension, and fine-tuning limit screws—you ensure smooth and reliable front shifting. Regular attention to cable condition and derailleur adjustment will keep your drivetrain performing at its best, extending the life of both the derailleur and the entire groupset.