Simple question on Ultegra brakes

Borrall Wonnell said:

I tried to upgrade my brakes from a non-brand to the Ultegras(last
generation, BR-6500), and discovered that the existing cable
housing+ferrule will not fit inside what Shimano calls the "Cable
Adjusting Bolt Unit"

I read an older (1999) post by S.B. indicating that neither end of the
brake cable requires ferrules. Does anyone know if this applies to the
6500's or not? Shimano's documentation doesn't explicitly mention
this, although the diagram does seem to imply it when coupled with
Sheldon's fountain of knowledge.

If I just run cable (no ferrules), there is a bit of play between the
housing and the CABU. It seems like this area in particular would be
susceptible to contaminants, similar to having a cup with a bundle of
steel wool at the bottom. Am I just being paranoid?

Cheers,
Dave

no ferrule needed, but make sure the cable outer's end is cut off
square. for the record, it's a good idea to periodically replace
cables, not keep old ones going until they break - much safer and not
too expensive.

Borrall Wonnell said:

I tried to upgrade my brakes from a non-brand to the Ultegras(last
generation, BR-6500), and discovered that the existing cable
housing+ferrule will not fit inside what Shimano calls the "Cable
Adjusting Bolt Unit"

I read an older (1999) post by S.B. indicating that neither end of the
brake cable requires ferrules. Does anyone know if this applies to the
6500's or not? Shimano's documentation doesn't explicitly mention
this, although the diagram does seem to imply it when coupled with
Sheldon's fountain of knowledge.

If I just run cable (no ferrules), there is a bit of play between the
housing and the CABU. It seems like this area in particular would be
susceptible to contaminants, similar to having a cup with a bundle of
steel wool at the bottom. Am I just being paranoid?

Cheers,
Dave

6500 brake calipers do not need a ferrule. Whether or not the brake
lever does depends on the lever. 6500 STI and non-sti brake levers did
not need a ferrule at the lever end...some brake levers do. When the
cable is tight, the end of the housing sits tightly in the barrell
adjuster, it'll work fine.

Quoted message said:

6500 brake calipers do not need a ferrule. Whether or not the brake
lever does depends on the lever. 6500 STI and non-sti brake levers did
not need a ferrule at the lever end...some brake levers do. When the
cable is tight, the end of the housing sits tightly in the barrell
adjuster, it'll work fine.

I'll sleep a little easier tonight 🙂

Cheers,
Dave