How to replace a Sturmey Archer's cable?

Question

I would like to replace the cable of a Sturmey Archer hub, but can't find a way to disassemble the old cable without destroying it, and it puzzles me how to insert the new cable.

To better explain, I have five elements:

1. The cable
2. The cable tip 1 (top)
3. The cable tip 2 (bottom)
4. The adjusting part (for the lack of the proper term, I'm refering to the cylindric piece that screws into the hub's cable)
5. The housing of the cable

I haven't found a way to remove the cable (1) because tip 1 and 2 (2, 3) are attached to the cable, and the adjusting part (4) also is attached and doesn't pass through tip 2 (3). The housing is also too small for the rest to pass through.

I wouldn't mind keeping the current cable, but would really like to know how to replace it.

Here's a photo to document this:

Another one showing the "adjusting part":

Answer 1

You are correct. This is different than "regular" cables. On regular cables you pick the end you want and cut off the other. Thats because the connection on the cut-off end is usually a clamp. You run the cable under a screw/nut and tighten it down.

Then you just put a cable crimp on the end to protect the cut cable

However, your internal hub cable is differnet. The cable and housing is really one piece. You have to replace it all together. I have a similar issue on my Shimano internal 3 speed hub. Luckily you can get an entire replacement set (cable and housing).You can get something like this from Harris Cyclery (I only hype them because a Sheldon Brown article was helpful to this post.)

You'll have to make sure that the barrel is the same threading as your "adjusting part" and that you get the length you need. A sales person (or phone call) should get you the exact part. It would probably help to know the model of your hub. It should be engraved or stamped somewhere visible.

Answer 2

My 1st suggestion is if what you have still works, don't change it. SA experts tell you any SA cable replaces easily. Bull. Some shifters require a different type of cable end and different ferrel. You have to get a matching type. There are at least two different diameters of indicator spindle and barrel adjusters, with the larger diameter barrel being mostly what is sold. Good luck if you have the thin spindle, but cable with the thin barrel adjuster can be found if you scour all the sources. I'm fixing up a very old Raleigh and finally decided I must get a newer trigger shifter because I will never find cable with the correct end that fits this shifter.

Answer 3

Not familiar with sturmey archers, but on regular gear/brake cables you can just cut off that small top near the bottom of the picture. It's really just there to keep the cable from fraying and you can get replacements from your local bike store for about $0.02. If you grip it with a pair of pliers and pull hard enough you can sometimes just pull them off so the cable doesn't get shortened. I'm not sure how would remove the "adjusting part" or if it would just slide off when you removed the tip off the same end.