[header] How to change a bicycle brake cable [title] Snip the crimped end off of the inner cable. [step] Find the end of the brake cable that sticks out of the retention clamp on the braking mechanism. This is the wheel-end of the cable, as opposed to the end that attaches to the lever. 
Use a pair of wire cutters to snip off the crimp on the end. [substeps] It'll be easier to slide the old cable out of its housing if you snip off the crimped end.