Cable lubricant - what to use?

Hi,

I've got a cable lubricating tool but have no idea on a cable lubricant? I was told WD40 would do it but i'm not sure?

Any tips, brands etc?

[Sir Trev]

WD-40 is not a lubricant, it's a water disperser, hence the WD in it's name. Use a lightweight oil.

[Bibio]

be careful. most modern cables are teflon lined and if its sticking its usually the teflon 'clogging up' adding oil will just help the clogging part. best go and buy a new cable.

if you are going to 'oil' a teflon lined cable then use ptfe lubrication. curtain shops usually sell it as 'rail glide'.

[yorkie_chris]

GT85 works OK, better than WD.

WD is ok for washing crap out of the cable but not the best.

As the lads have said, avoid WD since it's not clever. Also, as Bibio points out, many cables are covered in a teflon (low friction) sleeve to improve their action. If this becomes damaged, it tends to tear or fold up and cause a tightness that flushing with lubricant will not cure. Search "SV Tuning & tweeking" for "Making my clutch lighter" or similar. This thread will give you a fair idea of the scenario.

Garry

I worked for a cable manufacturer (teleflex) for 9 years, most modern lined cables are designed for no lubrication.
Using a lubricant can actually make friction cos it picks up crap and makes it into a grey paste which will restrict the cable slightly.

IMO if you have to, use the lightest oil you can and clean as often as you can.

ATF (~5W?) works nicely if you must stuff oil down the cable otherwise use the cable oiler to run some kero down to flush the muck out.

[Spanner Man]

Good morning all.


3 in 1 Silicone lubricant is pretty effective on cables. Oil should be avoided as this can swell the nylon liner of the cable & cause it to stick.


Cheers.