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Is it worth oiling cables?

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Mr Calendar



Joined: 14 Jun 2004
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PostPosted: 16:41 - 20 Jan 2010    Post subject: Is it worth oiling cables? Reply with quote

Got a problem with the missus's scooter.
Throttle got stuck open the other day - scarry moments ensued missing cars and lorries ending up on/in the verge.

Now I'm thinking it may have froze somehow (-2 the other morning).
During the recent cold snap it also was frozen on so couldn't start/use.

Now one option would be simply replace.
However, I'm thinking is there actually any mileage in oiling the cables.
I'll either get one of those oilers where you squirt WD-40 at it or jury rig a funnel with tape to the cable end and pour 3 in 1 or engine oil down it.

Now it appears some cables now have nylon inners so oiling them is either difficult, unnecessary or causes more problems (can't get a set answer as to why not).

So, to the point, can I tell it the cable can be oiled and would it be a good idea?

Thanks in anticipation.
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Feasty
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PostPosted: 16:47 - 20 Jan 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote

I think oiling cables is a short term fix. I did this to mine when they started becoming stiff, they got better then not long after they got a lot worse!

I'd recommend getting them replaced, much better to do this in the long run. Thumbs Up
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Noxious89123
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Joined: 10 Jun 2007
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PostPosted: 17:33 - 20 Jan 2010    Post subject: Re: Is it worth oiling cables? Reply with quote

map wrote:
Now it appears some cables now have nylon inners so oiling them is either difficult, unnecessary or causes more problems (can't get a set answer as to why not).


From what I have heard, it's something to do with the nylon reacting to the oil and swelling, as bit like rubber does with certain oils. This would obviously make the cables tight an stick even more.

However, I wouldn't have thought nylon would do that, so i don't really know how accurate that information is.

Are you sure it's the cables sticking? I thought mine where sticking, and spent ages pissing about trying to get a new pair on. And they didn't fix the problem. Drenched the throttle tube with GT85 and they worked fine again! Rolling Eyes Embarassed
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yen_powell
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Joined: 22 Jun 2008
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PostPosted: 18:09 - 20 Jan 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote

You can see if the cable has a nylon sheath, it is visible where the cable comes out of the plastic outer, stops just short of the nipple that goes into the lever.
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oldbiker
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Joined: 15 Nov 2009
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PostPosted: 18:14 - 20 Jan 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote

I always oil or grease cables that do not have a nylon liner.

The problem with oil in nylon lined cables is that any dirt that gets in to the cable stays there and acts as a grinding paste on the soft nylon,
so that after awhile the nylon particles and oil form a sludge that will begin to clog up the middle of the cable.

It could be a reaction between the oil and nylon but I`m not convinced
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pepperami
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Joined: 17 Jan 2010
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PostPosted: 19:57 - 20 Jan 2010    Post subject: Reply with quote

many moons ago when i had an assortment of of road bikes.. it was a real no-no to oil cables..

i believe that the type of nylon/plastic/stuff that the cables are lined with will react to oil.
whatever it is..... it is designed to be slippery without the aid of oil.

i have definately come across cables binding-up after being oiled.

i only ever oil unlined cables.
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Old Thread Alert!

The last post was made 16 years, 245 days ago. Instead of replying here, would creating a new thread be more useful?
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