Stuck gear cable in Shimano EZ-Fire 8 speed - how to remove?

[DCLane]

I'm in the process of finalising the build of a year-2000 Raleigh Special Products MTB. Until last week it looked like this:

It's the first one I've done and is being done using a mix of new and old parts. The old ones are the combined gear/brake shifters from my Viking Targa, along with the rear mech and rear brake caliper..

They're Shimano EZ-Fire type ST-EF29.

The problem I've got is while I've got the gear cable changed in the LH shifter I can't get the cable to come out of the RH shifter. It seems to be completely stuck; I've tried lubricant, shoving, levering, etc.

Any suggestions would be gratefully received. That, and a lack of working front V-brakes, is what's stopping it being finished.

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

I don't know what you have done so far, have you opened it up (two tiny black cross head screws, #2 in here)?

You should be able to see the barrel head and cable (in white plastic channel). All that usually is needed is to use a small screwdriver to ease the barrel out. These things are quite robust and serviceable, I have fixed quite a few including some abused ones and they all work fine at the end.

IIRC there are two ratchets. Sometimes they can be a bit stuck (due to old dry grease). WD40 and shuffling helps.

 

[DCLane]

@RecordAceFromNew - I've taken the top off, plus the gear indicator when the cable wouldn't come out.

Also, I've tried levering it through using a screwdriver and a drill, pushing it and some lubricant to help.

It's still stuck! I'm just wondering if it needs to come apart further.

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

I have never had to dismantle these brifters to stop them jamming. I would advice against it before trying other means. Which lever (top or bottom) is not working as intended? Usually I would have one. But unfortunately the closest I have is an EF50 at present to look at.

 

[DCLane]

It's the gear one, so the one closest the handlebar rather than the brake one.

It's been find on the LH lever!

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

Ok so the ratchet for that lever is underneath everything - it is the one to wind the cable in. But you can see the cable above winding around/within a plastic barrel right?

The way these things work is there are sprung shoes which MUST move freely for the ratchets to work. Those shoes are held in place by circlips, The key is to free the shoes, if they are stuck, hopefully without having to remove the circlips. WD40 and gentle prodding works, ime.

 

[DCLane]

@RecordAceFromNew - OK, thanks. Basically I'm doing it right but need to leave it more to soak!

 

[RecordAceFromNew]

@RecordAceFromNew - OK, thanks. Basically I'm doing it right but need to leave it more to soak!

I think your chance is good. Please do let me know if I can help further.

 

[adamhearn]

I pulled one of these apart some time ago when the shifter only worked for the bottom 3 gears. Found nothing amiss but after a cleaned and regrease it's been fine. I had every part out and it wasn't complicated to pull apart or put back together so if you have to strip it it's not an issue. The cable end has probably pulled tight into the hole so will probably just need more a little more persuasion

FWIW - I just picked up an 8 speed NOS on ebay [as I've swapped out my freewheel for a cassette].

 

[PatrickPending]

mmm not sure this helps but I had a cable - snapped near the end so wouldn't push out. pushed it as much as I can to get it out...ended up using a small screwdriver to lever out the nipple end...it came out and shifters still going strong. Id say pull it from the nipple end if you can....

 

[albion]

I had one stuck last week.

The small screwdriver trick would not work but I got it out at he upteenth attempt. Maybe I spun it with the screwdriver too, I'm unsure.
Normally it is quick when resorting to screwdriver.

 

[Nigelnaturist]

[as I've swapped out my freewheel for a cassette].

What's wrong with changed, less letters to type

 

[evo456]

Did this myself quite recently, LH fine shifter fine, RH was a bugger. I find setting the gear mid range then levering the barrel with a small screw driver out whilst pushing the gear cable at the same.

 

[DCLane]

I forgot to reply with what happened:

Left the lubricant overnight, re-lubed another night and then, with a small flat screwdriver and pliers, got the cable moving.

All fitted and gears working