DIY Guide to Replacing Derailleur Cables for Ekar WRL Rear Derailleur

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Replacing the derailleur cables on your Campagnolo Ekar WRL rear derailleur [paid link] is an essential skill for maintaining smooth and precise shifting on your gravel or road bike. Over time, the cables can stretch or fray, affecting shifting performance and potentially leading to malfunction. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of replacing the derailleur cables, from removal to installation, while ensuring optimal performance.

Tools Required

  • New derailleur cables
  • Cable cutters
  • 5mm Allen wrench
  • Torque wrench (optional, but recommended)
  • Cable housing
  • Lubricant (for cables and housing)
  • Cable crimps
  • 2mm Allen wrench (for derailleur set screws)
  • 10mm spanner (for removing rear wheel)

Step 1: Prepare the Bike and Tools

Before beginning the replacement, ensure that your bike is in a secure position. Use a bike stand to hold the bike stable and keep the drivetrain elevated. Gather all necessary tools and components, ensuring the new derailleur cables and cable housing are the correct length for your bike.

Step 2: Remove the Rear Wheel

To begin the process, it’s best to remove the rear wheel to access the derailleur and the cables. Use a 10mm spanner to release the axle nuts or, if applicable, a quick release mechanism to take off the wheel. This will provide better access to the rear derailleur and allow you to work freely without obstruction.

Step 3: Remove the Old Cable

Locate the derailleur cable entry point on the rear derailleur. The Campagnolo Ekar WRL rear derailleur has a clean cable path, and the cable is secured via a small pinch bolt. Use a 5mm Allen wrench to loosen and remove the pinch bolt, freeing the old cable.

  • Once the bolt is removed, gently pull the old cable from the derailleur.
  • Inspect the cable housing for wear or damage. It’s a good idea to replace the cable housing if it appears frayed, as worn housing can cause drag and disrupt smooth shifting.

Step 4: Remove the Cable Housing

Remove the cable housing from the frame and derailleur. If the housing is old or damaged, replace it with new, properly sized cable housing. Make sure the housing is cut to the correct length, ensuring it has a smooth entry and exit point without any kinks or sharp bends.

If you’re replacing the cable housing, ensure you lubricate the inner surface of the housing before inserting the new cables. This lubrication helps reduce friction, allowing for smoother shifting performance.

Step 5: Insert the New Cable into the Housing

Now that the old cable and housing are removed, insert the new derailleur cable into the new housing. Ensure the cable runs smoothly through the housing, and that there are no sharp bends. It’s crucial to check that the housing is properly seated at both ends of the bike—on the derailleur and at the frame’s cable entry.

Step 6: Route the Cable Through the Derailleur

Route the new derailleur cable through the derailleur’s cable entry point. Be mindful of the precise cable path as per the Campagnolo Ekar WRL’s design. The cable should run smoothly and without slack, ensuring it follows the correct line to facilitate seamless shifting.

Once the cable is threaded through the derailleur, secure the cable under the pinch bolt. Tighten the bolt with your 5mm Allen wrench, ensuring it’s tight enough to hold the cable securely but not overly tight, which could damage the cable.

Step 7: Install the Cable Housing and Adjust Length

At this stage, the cable housing should be installed back on the bike frame. Ensure that the housing is the proper length and that it is smoothly routed from the frame to the derailleur. If the housing is too long, trim it using cable cutters, but leave a little extra length to avoid any tension.

Secure the cable housing at the frame entry and exit points. It’s important that the housing is long enough to prevent sharp bends but not so long that it causes unnecessary slack.

Step 8: Tighten the Cable and Test for Shifting Accuracy

With the new cable installed and the pinch bolt tightened, manually shift the derailleur through the gears while applying slight tension on the cable. This ensures that the derailleur is properly aligned and will shift correctly when the bike is in motion.

Once the cable is properly tensioned, use the barrel adjuster on the derailleur or at the shifter to fine-tune the cable tension. Tightening the barrel adjuster will increase tension, and loosening it will decrease tension. Perform this step gradually, checking shifting precision after each adjustment.

Step 9: Reinstall the Rear Wheel and Test Ride

After you’ve finished installing the new derailleur cables, reinstall the rear wheel. Tighten the axle nuts or quick release mechanism as needed. With the wheel back in place, conduct a test ride to ensure smooth and accurate shifting across all gears.

During the test ride, pay attention to any skipping or hesitation in shifting. If any issues arise, return to the barrel adjuster and make small adjustments until you achieve optimal shifting performance.

Step 10: Final Adjustments and Cable Crimping

Once you’re satisfied with the shifting, it’s time to finish the installation. Trim any excess cable using a pair of cable cutters, leaving just enough to attach a cable crimp.

Place the crimp on the cable end, and use pliers to crimp it securely. This prevents the cable from fraying or slipping out of place. Double-check that the crimp is firmly in place and that the cable moves freely through the housing without any binding.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Poor Shifting Performance

If your Ekar WRL derailleur isn’t shifting as smoothly as expected, check the following:

  • Ensure the cable is properly tensioned.
  • Verify the derailleur hanger is straight.
  • Check the condition of the derailleur jockey wheels for wear.
  • Inspect the chain for wear and cleanliness.

2. Cable Slippage or Slack

If the cable is slipping or there is slack, recheck the pinch bolt tension. Ensure the cable is not frayed and is properly secured.

3. Shifting Delays or Gritty Movement

If you experience delays or rough shifting, consider lubricating the derailleur pivot points and the cable housing. Dirt or debris can cause the system to behave erratically.

Conclusion

Replacing the derailleur cables on your Campagnolo Ekar WRL rear derailleur is a straightforward process that can greatly improve your bike’s shifting performance. By following this guide, you can ensure that your drivetrain functions at its peak, providing smooth and reliable shifting over long gravel rides or road adventures. Regular maintenance and timely cable replacement will help extend the lifespan of your derailleur and overall drivetrain.