Clutch cable sounds and feels dry

[captainvw]

Is it worth lubricating or is it about to snap ? jumped in it after work this arvo sounds like its got dry all of a sudden and is a little harder to push in ...i dont think its internal

[Peter Jones]

Buy a new one quick! You've got about a day till it snaps.

[captainvw]

****! Thanks Pete ha ha aaaaagh the joys of old cars

[Peter Jones]

Yeah but the cable you buy will last another 30 years. Not a bad fault rate

[paulie71]

time for a new cable my friend. When you put the new one in, invest in some motorbike chain lube (in a spray can) and spray in from each end.

Also the rubber bush where the cable meets the gearbox might need replacing if it has worn out. Levae that go and the cable might start cutting into the bracket on the side of the gearbox where the cable attaches.

Have fun replacing it

[Jace]

Lithium grease (spray) is good for cables, is it not?

[paulie71]

I don't know, some research might be warranted. Silicone spray also works a treat also and less smelly than oil based sprays

[Jace]

I was recommended to use Lithium Grease specifically for power window regulator cables. Worked very well, messy as hell though!

Not that we have to worry about power windows and those sort of things in this forum...

[Peter Jones]

The cables are pretty easy to replace 5 - 10 minutes tops once you've done a few.

There is a trick to the firewall end. To get the rubber bush on the end of the cable to lock into the firewall you need to first slide it back up the cable towards the pedal hook so that the rubber can compress.

Makes more sense when you try it yourself. When you can't get the rubber block into the firewall remember the above.

Gear box end is straightforward too as pointed out above you should order a new buffer pad for the gearbox end or the cable might be too short.

You can also order a new clip assembly for the gearbox end.

Adjustment is easy. Once both the ends are hooked up adjust the threaded section until theres only about 5mm slack in the cable.

You test this by pulling up on the black part of the cable until you feel the clutch lever stop the cable should only come up about 5mm.

You might prefer more slack to achieve the pedal position you like but with less than 5 or even 0 you risk prematurely wearing out the clutch throw out bearing.

Usually no tools required either.

Pete

[Peter Jones]

Oh, and to lube the cable I use gearbox oil. You can't remove the cable from the sheath to apply grease so I trickle gearbox oil in one end 'till it comes out the other.

Might re-lube it occasionally if I have the cable disconnected for some other reason.

Pete