How to loosen Shimano 600 brake levers (non-aero)?
10-12-13, 12:04 AM
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How to loosen Shimano 600 brake levers (non-aero)?
I'm trying to loosen my brake levers and disconnect the brake cables from the levers so that I can install some cane creek hoods on my road bike and clean up the gunk on the handlebar. However, I don't see how I can get to the bolt within the brake lever. Not only is the gap small, but the brake cable is in the way. How can I disassemble this setup in a method that would not involve cutting the brake cable?
Here is an image of the situation:
Here is an image of the situation:
10-12-13, 12:08 AM
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Remove the brake cable by squeezing the brake calipers shut and unhooking the cable at the lever. There's a slot cut into the fitting for just this purpose- no need to disturb the adjustment of the brake. Then use a 10mm socket on the nut- just loosen it some and the band that tightens it to the handlebar will allow you to slide the lever off the handlebar.
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10-13-13, 03:19 PM
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You sure Jeff? Usually a 5MM allen bolt. Older low end bikes took a flat blade screwdriver. You place a straight edge along the bottom of the handlebars with the bottom of the brake lever touching it. The 4MM 5MM 6MM, "Y" allen Wrench works better on the brake handle, than a smaller loose "L" shaped allen wremch.
10-13-13, 03:27 PM
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You sure Jeff? Usually a 5MM allen bolt. Older low end bikes took a flat blade screwdriver. You place a straight edge along the bottom of the handlebars with the bottom of the brake lever touching it. The 4MM 5MM 6MM, "Y" allen Wrench works better on the brake handle, than a smaller loose "L" shaped allen wremch.
10-13-13, 03:29 PM
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If the OP going to change his levers anyway , why not just disconnect the cable at the calipers ,which give him the slack he need to remove the cable from the levers . And yes a 5 MM allen (hex) on a Y will work to remove the levers from the bar .
10-13-13, 05:35 PM
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You sure Jeff? Usually a 5MM allen bolt. Older low end bikes took a flat blade screwdriver. You place a straight edge along the bottom of the handlebars with the bottom of the brake lever touching it. The 4MM 5MM 6MM, "Y" allen Wrench works better on the brake handle, than a smaller loose "L" shaped allen wremch.
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10-14-13, 10:38 PM
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Remove the brake cable by squeezing the brake calipers shut and unhooking the cable at the lever. There's a slot cut into the fitting for just this purpose- no need to disturb the adjustment of the brake. Then use a 10mm socket on the nut- just loosen it some and the band that tightens it to the handlebar will allow you to slide the lever off the handlebar.
I've swapped entire assemblies of taped bars, stems and levers like this without doing anything to the cable.
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10-15-13, 10:20 AM
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The OP is going to have to undo the cables to get the hoods on so there is no other option. You should be able to get the hoods on without removing the brake body. Put the new hoods in some hot water for a few minutes before installing them. This helps them stretch and the water helps them slide on a bit.
10-15-13, 01:09 PM
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The OP is going to have to undo the cables to get the hoods on so there is no other option. You should be able to get the hoods on without removing the brake body. Put the new hoods in some hot water for a few minutes before installing them. This helps them stretch and the water helps them slide on a bit.
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10-15-13, 01:45 PM
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Loosen the brake cable at the other end, on the brake, so there is leeway.
I needed a 8 or 9 mm tap back nut spanner to loosen the nut on a 1980 Shimano 600 brake earlier this year -- not an allen key. Forgot which one.
I needed a 8 or 9 mm tap back nut spanner to loosen the nut on a 1980 Shimano 600 brake earlier this year -- not an allen key. Forgot which one.
05-30-14, 01:18 PM
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Hi, a while since you posted this question: But i have exactly the same situation, minus the cable (which is loose). Did you get your bars loose? It so naarow to reach the nut.
Thankyou! / Olof
Thankyou! / Olof
12-04-22, 01:23 PM
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A tap back nut spanner usually for faucets... because a socket is too thick.
12-04-22, 10:06 PM
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After 8 years since the last post in this thread I imagine that the OP got the brake levers loosened and replaced the brake hoods okay.
Btw, those old 600EX brake levers used a 8mm hex nut to tighten the brake lever clamp. I know that because I have one of those brake levers in my hand.
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12-05-22, 08:05 AM
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