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2013-03-26 9:58 AM

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Subject: Internal cable routing issue

I purchased a Chinese carbon frame, FM018 from DengFu. As I was in the middle of putting it together and waiting on some final parts I ended up accidentally pulling out the front derailleur cable (got caught on doorknob). It get's internally routed through the top tube, right behind the headset and comes out through a tiny hole above the bottom bracket. Well, now I can put the cable in the top, but it doesn't come out the hole. I can hear it in there, but it seems as though the internal sleeve fell out of place or something. The exit hole is so small that its probably only wide enough to fit two strands of derailleur cable through it. I tried going back wards to see if I could get it to come back out the top, but that doesn't work either. 

Thoughts on how to fish it out? Can I try and carefully drill a bigger hole to help?



2013-03-26 10:09 AM
in reply to: #4674773

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Veteran
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Chicago (Old Town)
Subject: RE: Internal cable routing issue
coathanger as a guide?
2013-03-26 10:15 AM
in reply to: #4674773

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Knoxville area
Subject: RE: Internal cable routing issue

drilling is a bad idea unless you are well versed working with carbon... even then I would NOT want to try it.

 

A powerful vacuum might be your best bet. You could also find some metal wire that is magnetic and route it, then pull it out with a magnet. I've done both before, the magnetic is more expensive but it'll save you some time. You can also go to the store, buy a 12 pack and resign yourself to spending quite a few hours just poking around and fishing for it. (turn the frame upside down and try reverse routing it...)

2013-03-26 10:27 AM
in reply to: #4674773

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Subject: RE: Internal cable routing issue
I'd think a stiffer copper wire with less flex might make fishing it easier? Then you splice on the derailleur cable as narrowly as possible and pull the actual derailleur cable through?

Works for home wiring of romex through studs, but this is an entirely different problem; all together.
2013-03-26 10:34 AM
in reply to: #4674817

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Subject: RE: Internal cable routing issue
Leegoocrap - 2013-03-26 11:15 AM

drilling is a bad idea unless you are well versed working with carbon... even then I would NOT want to try it.

 

A powerful vacuum might be your best bet. You could also find some metal wire that is magnetic and route it, then pull it out with a magnet. I've done both before, the magnetic is more expensive but it'll save you some time. You can also go to the store, buy a 12 pack and resign yourself to spending quite a few hours just poking around and fishing for it. (turn the frame upside down and try reverse routing it...)

I was thinking just getting some string (and wire to get the string down there) and try sucking out with a vacuum. I was thinking magnets, but I'm not sure how I would get it through that narrow of a hole. 

Thanks for the input!

2013-03-26 10:35 AM
in reply to: #4674847

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Subject: RE: Internal cable routing issue

pitt83 - 2013-03-26 11:27 AM I'd think a stiffer copper wire with less flex might make fishing it easier? Then you splice on the derailleur cable as narrowly as possible and pull the actual derailleur cable through? Works for home wiring of romex through studs, but this is an entirely different problem; all together.

You mean getting some stiff wire and try to fish that out?



2013-03-26 10:36 AM
in reply to: #4674799

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Subject: RE: Internal cable routing issue

julio26pt2 - 2013-03-26 11:09 AM coathanger as a guide?

I don't think the coat hanger will fit...

2013-03-26 10:42 AM
in reply to: #4674865

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Subject: RE: Internal cable routing issue
zee744 - 2013-03-26 11:34 AM
Leegoocrap - 2013-03-26 11:15 AM

drilling is a bad idea unless you are well versed working with carbon... even then I would NOT want to try it.

 

A powerful vacuum might be your best bet. You could also find some metal wire that is magnetic and route it, then pull it out with a magnet. I've done both before, the magnetic is more expensive but it'll save you some time. You can also go to the store, buy a 12 pack and resign yourself to spending quite a few hours just poking around and fishing for it. (turn the frame upside down and try reverse routing it...)

I was thinking just getting some string (and wire to get the string down there) and try sucking out with a vacuum. I was thinking magnets, but I'm not sure how I would get it through that narrow of a hole. 

Thanks for the input!

with a powerful magnet (like an automotive fishing magnet) you won't need to get the magnetic end into the hole, just get the wire close enough to the hole that it pulls.

If you go the string route you probably want to just use fishing line.

2013-03-26 10:49 AM
in reply to: #4674886

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Extreme Veteran
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Albany, NY
Subject: RE: Internal cable routing issue
Leegoocrap - 2013-03-26 11:42 AM
zee744 - 2013-03-26 11:34 AM
Leegoocrap - 2013-03-26 11:15 AM

drilling is a bad idea unless you are well versed working with carbon... even then I would NOT want to try it.

 

A powerful vacuum might be your best bet. You could also find some metal wire that is magnetic and route it, then pull it out with a magnet. I've done both before, the magnetic is more expensive but it'll save you some time. You can also go to the store, buy a 12 pack and resign yourself to spending quite a few hours just poking around and fishing for it. (turn the frame upside down and try reverse routing it...)

I was thinking just getting some string (and wire to get the string down there) and try sucking out with a vacuum. I was thinking magnets, but I'm not sure how I would get it through that narrow of a hole. 

Thanks for the input!

with a powerful magnet (like an automotive fishing magnet) you won't need to get the magnetic end into the hole, just get the wire close enough to the hole that it pulls.

If you go the string route you probably want to just use fishing line.

Great, thanks! I'll try when I get home

2013-03-26 10:53 AM
in reply to: #4674871

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Subject: RE: Internal cable routing issue
zee744 - 2013-03-26 11:35 AM

pitt83 - 2013-03-26 11:27 AM I'd think a stiffer copper wire with less flex might make fishing it easier? Then you splice on the derailleur cable as narrowly as possible and pull the actual derailleur cable through? Works for home wiring of romex through studs, but this is an entirely different problem; all together.

You mean getting some stiff wire and try to fish that out?



Right. Something like bailing wire.

Danny's second option is more precise, but the same idea as I had.

Edited by pitt83 2013-03-26 10:55 AM
2013-03-26 10:53 AM
in reply to: #4674773

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Subject: RE: Internal cable routing issue

Having never done this before, but fished plenty of electrical cable, I'll offer my advice.    The other's ideas are the best, really, except for my step #1.

Option #1

1.  turn bike upside down get the tube as vertical as possible so the wire has to dangle inside instead of riding along the downward inside edge.  (gravity is your friend, plus if the cable hole by the handlebars is bigger, you want to fish from inside in that direction.)

2. Put fishing line in the hole by the bottom bracket and feed toward the handlebars as far as it will go.

3.  Look for it at the other end, or suck out with a vacuum.

Option #2.

1.  turn bike upside down, get the tube as vertical as possible so the wire has to dangle inside instead of riding along the downward inside edge.

2. Put thin (but stiff) wire in the hole by the bottom bracket and feed toward the handlebars as far as it will go.

3.  Poke around and it will eventually pop out of the upper hole.  Use 12-pack as directed above. 

4. Wrap the cable and the wire together for about 6 turns, tape it together on the end you'll be feeding into the tube if it will fit through both holes, and gently pull the cable toward the bottom bracket, wiggling slightly as you pass through the holes.



2013-03-26 11:12 AM
in reply to: #4674773

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Expert
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Boise, Idaho
Subject: RE: Internal cable routing issue
You can also use a vacuum to suck a thin gauge line through the hole.  Feed line through cable housing, secure the end and pull it through.
2013-03-26 12:56 PM
in reply to: #4674873

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Subject: RE: Internal cable routing issue
zee744 - 2013-03-26 10:36 AM

julio26pt2 - 2013-03-26 11:09 AM coathanger as a guide?

I don't think the coat hanger will fit...

I have three answers to questions..  Use a coat hanger....  Try some lube...  Duct tape might help..  It's gotten me this far in life and I stand behind my advice!  

2013-03-27 7:26 AM
in reply to: #4674773

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Albany, NY
Subject: RE: Internal cable routing issue

I couldn't get any of these ways to work. I think what happened is that the cement holding the guide by the exit hole came undone, so I have a perfectly intact tube just floating around in there. Seemed like the hole was too small for the magnet method and the string would just stuck somewhere and I couldn't force it down.

What I ended up doing is MacGyver-ing the $hit out of it. Took the fork out to give access to the top tube where the cable enters the frame. Ran a thin piece of cable housing from the exit hole, back up the down tube to the fork opening. Cut the internal guide/tube with a knife. Then I was able to feed the derailleur cable down through the original entry hole, through the cable housing that I installed internally and out through the proper hole. Now she shifts like a champ. 

Thanks for all the recommendations though!

2013-03-27 10:50 AM
in reply to: #4676133

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Saratoga Springs, Utah
Subject: RE: Internal cable routing issue
Same thing I have had to do on a Trek. Take the fork off and run the housing through the exit hole up to the head tube and out the frame hole.

Edited by gerald12 2013-03-27 10:56 AM
2013-03-27 11:23 AM
in reply to: #4676517

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Subject: RE: Internal cable routing issue

gerald12 - 2013-03-27 11:50 AM Same thing I have had to do on a Trek. Take the fork off and run the housing through the exit hole up to the head tube and out the frame hole.

Sure glad I had some help for this. Was quite the pain.



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