Shimano 6600 6700 Broken Gear Cable Replacement

Introduction

Replacing a broken cable is easy when you can see the broken end in the shifter but it's impossible when you can't!

You'll try to downshift but after a couple of clicks, you won't be able to shift anymore.

Because you've not downshifted to can't remove the broken wire and bead.

This guide shows you how to make a hook to pull the ratchet allowing the gear to downshift.

I used 1.6mm green plastic-covered plant wire from Bunnings. The wire needs to be bendable and yet stiff enough to hold a hook.
Strip the green plastic and bend the end 2mm

Downshift as much as you can
Pull the brake to open
Insert the hook into the hole that the cable comes through, and then rotate it so that it holds where the cable bead normally sits
Close the brake so the wire is loosely held
Gently pull the wire while downshifting. You'll now be able to feel and hear the downshifting. Continue until it's fully downshifted