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Installation of a BX Cable

The BMX, which stands for "bicycle motor cross," brand bicycle has proved to be a very popular choice for small and older riders alike. They have rugged chromoly tube frames that can withstand the shocks and pressures exerted from jumps and various stuntlike maneuvers. The bikes have very lightweight designs, allowing them to perform a number of signature stunts, required in competitions and contests. Although speed and agility present the most favorable characteristics of a BMX bike, the need to stop can also be of prime importance. Stopping power starts with the BMX brake cable, which should be changed when stopping performance must be maximized.

Things You'll Need

Bungee cords
Wire cutters
Socket set
Ratchet wrench
Cable (wire with sheath)
Tie straps
Wire end cover
Crimp ball
Pliers

Instructions

- 1
  Set the bike on its kickstand. If the bike has been chopped for weight and has no kickstand, bungee the frame to a support post or workbench, with the right side (cable side) facing outward. Use a pair of wire cutters to snip loose all the tie straps that hold the cable sheath to the bike frame.
- 2
  Use your fingers to loosen the brake lever barrel adjusters so the slot in the guide shaft aligns with the cable end. Pull the cable ball out of the guide slot. Disconnect the cable from the brake lever. If your BMX bike has a cable support tube on the top or bottom frame, you can cut the then end of the wire ball off top of the cable and pull the cable through the support tube from the back.
- 3
  Use a socket to disconnect the rear cable bracket nut and free up the cable. Use a socket to disconnect the small nut that holds the cable wire to the brake lever. Pull the cable off the bike frame
- 4
  Place the old cable on the ground and and line up the new cable sheath, with the wire inside of it, next to the old cable. Use wire cutters to cut the wire to exact length. Place a cable protector on the cut end. Place the new wire ball in the brake lever slot and tighten the lever nut with a socket.
- 5
  Run the cut end of the cable through the back bracket, allowing a little slack, and tighten the cable bracket with a socket. Run the cable up through the tube frame, and under the handle bar. Place a few tie straps around the frame to keep the cable from bowing out, but do not tighten the tie straps all the way yet.
- 6
  Thread the wire part of the cable through the barrel adjuster. Remove the wire end cover. Place a ball on the end of the wire and crimp it in place with a pair of pliers. Place the wire into the guide slot and hook it on the brake lever. Turn the guide slot down. Adjust the barrel to tighten the brake cable.
- 7
  Squeeze the lever on the brakes and feel for the proper travel distance. Put a tie strap on the handle bars to hold the cable in place, then turn the handlebars back and forth, making sure you have cable clearance. Adjust your cable slack at the rear brake by pulling the cable until you have a shallow loop. Tighten all the tie straps on the frame. Readjust the barrel to fine-tune the brake grab travel. Test ride the bike.

Bicycles