How do you lube the cables?

[ejudasf]

Read a post a while back about lubing the cables, and forgot about asking how to do it.

Any help would be appreciated.

I was thinking of getting some graphite stuff, but not sure if that is the correct route.

thanks.

ed

[scottpA_GS]

 You need a cable luber 

http://www.cernics.com/eshopprod_cat_3474-5997-28911_product_419636_keyword_cable+AND+luber.MOTION_PRO174_CABLE_LUBER.htm

[08GSSteve]

Clutch cable.

1. Undo Clucth cable.
2. Place clean rags round cable.
3. Gently squirt WD40 down neck of cable and move cable back and forth to allow WD40 to slip down cable.
4. Repeat till desired cable lubrication has been achieved.
5. Clean clutch lever where cable mounts in lever and apply small quantity of grease.
6. Replace clutch cable to lever and retention to 10 to 15mm free play.
7. Ensure lock nut groves and tensioner groves are facing up to avoid cutting into braided cable (greatly reduces cable life)

Some will argue that graphite should be used instead of light oil like WD40.  Your choice.  Direct from shop the cable is wet lubricated (least mine was anyway) so I don't see how graphite will work but each to their own findings.

[ben2go]

Just so we all know.WD40 isn't an oil it is a water displacer.WD= Water Displacer 40= Formula Number 40

I'm not saying don't use it.I do prefer penetrating oils.

[sledge]

When it comes to lubing cables nothing is as effective as one of these......use it with 3in1 oil.

http://www.frost.co.uk/item_detail.asp?productID=8650

[ben2go]

When it comes to lubing cables nothing is as effective as one of these......use it with 3in1 oil.

http://www.frost.co.uk/item_detail.asp?productID=8650

You have 3 in 1 in UK?KOOOOL!I thought that was a discontinued oil that was only used in the south eastern states.Haven't seen it in years.We use it on our upholstery sewing machines.

[BrianKD]

Here's 2 pics of the ziplock bag drip method.

[gmark]

Just so we all know.WD40 isn't an oil it is a water displacer.WD= Water Displacer 40= Formula Number 40

I'm not saying don't use it.I do prefer penetrating oils.

from the WD-40 site

What does WD-40 do?
WD-40 fulfills five basic functions:
1. CLEANS: WD-40 gets under dirt, grime and grease to clean. It also dissolves adhesives, allowing easy removal of labels, tape and excess bonding material.
2. DISPLACES MOISTURE: Because WD-40 displaces moisture, it quickly dries out electrical systems to eliminate moisture-induced short circuits.
3. PENETRATES: WD-40 loosens rust-to-metal bonds and frees stuck, frozen or rusted metal parts.
4. LUBRICATES: WD-40's lubricating ingredients are widely dispersed and tenaciously held to all moving parts.
5. PROTECTS: WD-40 protects metal surfaces with corrosion-resistant ingredients to shield against moisture and other corrosive elements.

What surfaces or materials are OK to use WD-40 on?
WD-40 can be used on just about everything. It is safe for metal, rubber, wood and plastic. WD-40 can be applied to painted metal surfaces without harming the paint. Polycarbonate and clear polystyrene plastic are among the few surfaces on which to avoid using a petroleum-based product like WD-40.

it's just a light oil. oil displaces water.

[Dan02GS]

I lubed my clutch and throttle cables using a spray lubricant and a cable lubing tool like Scott suggested. It was pretty easy once you get the hang of tightening the little tool just right. Once it is set on the cable end at the handlebar a few short bursts and that is it. I oversprayed my throttle cable because I had lubricant coming out for days. Make sure you stuff some rags under the carbs just to catch any drips from the throttle cables, mine are push/pull so there are two. I got my stuff at cyclegear only because they are close to my home. It is pretty easy, take care.

[08GSSteve]

Use to have one for my GSX ES550 some years ago but now when I walk into a bike shop and ask for one I get a strange look?

Was such a simple device about the size of a match box that clamped onto the end of any cable end.  One end of the cable oiler had a connection so the applicator from your fav spray oil could be fitted.  Spray and hey presto job done in about 10 seconds.

can't even find a pic on the net to show you all....  Will keep looking and post if I find anything.

[qwertydude]

Never liked those cable lubing tools they leak out about as much as they let in when you spray lube into them. I've converted everyone on rebel250 to my much more economical and tidier solution. Basically get the end of your cable and the tube from your spray bottle place the ends together and wrap the end in several layers of saran wrap, over the saran wrap, wrap a cloth around it. Then grip it tightly and spray away, hardly a drop gets wasted spewing out all over the place and you don't need another tool that you may lose because you don't use it that often, just saran wrap. This also lets you spray high viscosity stuff much more effectively. I use wd-40 first to clean out crud then champion spray grease for lube it's a real grease not just thick oil so it stays put forever. Have gone years and cables still lubed smooth.

[08GSSteve]

Yea now thats a good solution and simple

Will test it out on the KLR

[qwertydude]

Yeah that ziploc drip bag seems a little elaborate to me.

[beRto]

I use the lube tool that scottPA_GS mentioned. Provided the tool is attached properly, I haven't had any problems with spray (although I do wear goggles just in case). I use a "cable lube" spray that I bought at the local dealer.