Feed hydraulic brake line through 2024 Q45 frame

[Black Hawk Down]

I am installing SRAM Rival hydraulic brakes on my Q45 and I need to run the tube to the back wheel through the frame. The tube is small enough to go through the openings but I can't see how to get the tube out the exit. I tried in both directions. It looks impossible. Any ideas?

 

[Robert Holler]

These aren't our videos but here are a few that can help. This is always a rough task:

 

[Black Hawk Down]

I tried the method in the first video but the holes in the bike frame are too small. The cable ferrule won't fit. It's 6 mm diameter. I looked online for cable routing kits but all say the hole has to be 6 mm or larger.

I tried the thread method in the second video and it wouldn't fish to the bottom hole. The thread would just bunch up in the middle somewhere.

I made cables with a small magnets on the end (super glue) and fed one through one hole and the other cable through the other hole, hoping they would meet in the middle, connect and I could pull them out one of the holes. Didn't work.

I tried to feed one of the cables with a magnet on it while using a very strong rare earth magnet on the outside to guide it through. It didn't work.

I ordered a cable routing kit and I plan to drill out the holes as needed. First problem was my drill would not fit on the top hole due to the seat QR weldments. So, I ordered a DEWALT Right Angle Attachment, Flex Shaft and a set of impact drills. All orders come in tomorrow. Done for the day.

 

[Rampa]

Another option would be to to remove the ferrule, thread the tube through the frame, and replace the ferrule.

 

[Black Hawk Down]

Another option would be to to remove the ferrule, thread the tube through the frame, and replace the ferrule.

Thanks. I already did that. I can't get anything through. Tomorrow I drill larger holes.

 

[Robert Holler]

Before you drill - try to get it through via fishing it over a cable. Specifically a derailleur cable. HYD lines are a real hassle but it can be done. Some are also bigger than others a bit it seems in diameter. The openings are indeed just big enough for a clean-cut line... it is a challenge to get it though for sure.

 

[Black Hawk Down]

Before you drill - try to get it through via fishing it over a cable. Specifically a derailleur cable. HYD lines are a real hassle but it can be done. Some are also bigger than others a bit it seems in diameter. The openings are indeed just big enough for a clean-cut line... it is a challenge to get it though for sure.

I tried that. I can't get the derailleur cable through. I spent an hour fishing it around but I can't get it out the exit hole and I can't see the cable on the inside because the hole is too small and even with a flashlight, it's too dark to see inside. I tried using strong magnets to get the tip of the line to the exit hole, but it just didn't work. I'm at the limits of my mechanical skills here.

 

[Rampa]

You can also start with a string and a vacuum cleaner. Put the vacuum on the exit hole and feed the string in the origin hole. Then pull the cable through tied to the string.

 

[Black Hawk Down]

You can also start with a string and a vacuum cleaner. Put the vacuum on the exit hole and feed the string in the origin hole. Then pull the cable through tied to the string.

I tried that too. The thread just bunched up in the middle somewhere and wouldn't go to the exit hole. It was probably hanging up on something inside.

 

[Black Hawk Down]

Success!! I purchased a Bicycle Internal Cable Routing Tool for $16 on Amazon which is a cheap Chinese knockoff of the $75 Park Tool version, and it worked like a charm. No drilling. It took 5 minutes. Wish I started with this. Here's the link if anyone else is interested:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09286S715?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

 

[Robert Holler]

Sweet.