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So The end of my rear derailleur shifter cable is stuck in the shifter. Is it even possible to get out? See the picture below. Shifting up and down doesn't really do anything to its position.

close-up of cable end in shifter

Edit: I got it a bit further. Seems like it only needs to shift up one more time before I can pull it out but is doesn't want to.

Another close-up with the cable in a slightly different position

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    Older brifter designs are notorious for chewing up shift cables. If you feel shift quality deteriorate, then check the cable and change if needed before it breaks. I've taken to changing the right hand cable every year, because it won't last two for me.
    – Criggie ♦
    Commented Oct 26, 2022 at 17:20
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    @Criggie it seems to be even more true of the 11sp shimano road groups
    – Noise
    Commented Oct 26, 2022 at 18:38

1 Answer 1

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Take off the little plastic cover on the bottom of your 5800 shifter. The line of its edge is visible in your second photo (1 or 2 screws). You will then have good access to remove the head. You can also help the mechanism around if you need to with a pick or small screwdriver.

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    This video shows the process of extracting the cable. In his case, the cable was frayed but not completely broken, though the process is similar. I myself experienced a broken rear shift cable. The key thing is as Noise pointed out, is to peel back the hood enough so you can remove the screw and remove the small access panel. youtube.com/watch?v=MWDuQRXiGO4
    – newroadie
    Commented Oct 26, 2022 at 19:09
  • This is how I eventually managed to get it out. I used a paperclip bent into a hook to pullthe mechanism and was then able to shift up enough for the damaged end to be removed.
    – Bijlenman
    Commented Oct 27, 2022 at 19:36
  • Well I just experienced the same thing - again. In August 2022 with about 7000 km of riding, the rear shift cable broke. Now in July 2024 with 7300 km since the previous break, it broke again. This time, however, I was prepared with a spare cable in my saddle bag and a tiny screwdriver to be able to remove the small access panel. Funny thing is that prior to the previous break, there were symptoms - rear shifting seemed sloppy. I thought hmm ok I need to adjust it, and 200-300 km later it broke. This time when it broke there was no prior warning.
    – newroadie
    Commented Jul 2 at 19:58
  • @newroadie I suggest you change the cables at 5000km or every year. It's an easy enough job when the cable isn't broken.
    – Noise
    Commented Jul 3 at 6:58

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