Maintenance & Technical > KX500 Original

Properly lubing clutch cable...how?

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ShanMan:
The clutch pull on old KreX is getting a bit stiff. I intend to put a quick adjust perch on that has a bearing pivot, but I will still need to lube up the cable (which is in great shape). What type of lube do you guys use, and how do you get sufficient amounts of lube into the cable assembly? Is it nothing more than some Tri-Flow shot in one end? What about flushing the cable before lubrication? TIA.  :)

Rick:
The only way to properly lube a cable is with a handy-dandy gable lube tool.  This tool is made of aluminum, and has a rubber insert that, when tightened, snugs around your cable housing with the cable itself sticking out the end (Oh yes, I didn't mention you have to disconnect the cable from the perch).  Once the lube tool is in place, there is a little rubber connection made especially for one of those little red tubes that goes on the end of the spray lube nozzle.  Here are the steps:

1. remove the cable from the perch.
2. Install the cable lube tool on the cable.
3. remove the little boot at the motor end of the clutch cable and feed a small rag under the now open cable.  This will catch excess liquid as it moves through/out of the cable.
4. Using spray carb cleaner (test spray your cleaner on the bench to ensure it air drys quickly), connect the little red tube to the can and cable lube tool.  Spray the cleaner through the cable until it comes out the bottom end.  You might have to hold a rag securly to the cable lube tool where your inside cable comes out to force the fluid into the cable.  When the cleaner can be seen coming out of the bottom cable end, keep spraying for about 15 seconds to push any gunk out the end.
5. disconnect the carb cleaner and hold an air nozzle up to the hole in the cable lube tool.  If you don't have a compressor, scoot to your local office supply outlet and purchase a can of compressed air.  They come with a little nozzle, and will hook right up to your cable lube tool.  Shoot  air into the cable to help the carb cleaner flash dry.
6. install the tube on your can of spray cable lube (I use only cable lube spray, but some folks use WD40, chain wax, TriFlo, etc.  One small can of cable lube spray will last you until your old, so I opt for the good stuff), and affix the other end into the cable lube tool.  Spray the cable lube into the cable until the liquid comes out the bottom end.
7. remove the cable lube tool, clean up any excess spray lube, reinstall your cable to the perch, replace the bottom cable boot, and begin to enjoy your new smooth clutch pull.  

Should take about 20 minutes the first time.  As a note, I never use any cable but stock, as they stay smooth longer than any other cable.  They cost a little more, but for my money, simply work better longer.

Heck, throw some burgers on the barby, invite a few friends, throw in a crusty demons video on the Tely, and make it a cable lube party.  

Enjoy

Rick

ShanMan:
Another excellent reply from the Rickster! If it wasn't for the fact that I would be denying others of the now published knowledge, I would simply PM when questions arise. The only other question I have now is this: are the lube tools available everywhere, and how much does one cost? TIA.  :)

beastrider500:
Here you go Shanman. Our buds at MonkeyButt have one for about the cheapest price I've ever seen. Most accessory cataloges and bike shops have them for about $12.00. Well worth the price either way you go.

http://www.monkeybuttparts.com/commerce/search/products/?product_id=306&merchant_id=1280

yzmike:
:)  Yes sir, yes sir, Nothing really works except that lube gizmo, it pays for itself immediatly by saving huge quantities of spray. And again, the better viscosity lubricant lasts longer. " Never less than the best"   That should be my quote, right?  I have an 02 raptor, so it is money well spent.

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