Brake Cables 101

[100volts+]

My rear mechanical disc brakes with several thousand miles on them didn't work like they did when they were new so I replaced the pads they felt better but the pull on the cable seem a little rough so I replaced the cable. Voila. Smooth as silk.I asked the guy at the LBS if cables can wear out and he said the cables most likely just need some lubricant. I didn't know that. (I'm pretty new to bicycle mechanics) Can I use 3 in 1 lube on a brake cable?

 

[lbz5mc12]

I've heard that you're supposed to use spray dry lube in the cable housing.

 

[dogman dan]

Depending on the riding conditions, you might need to pull the cable off the caliper, then remove the housings. Then you can slide the housings and expose the normally covered cable, and clean out the dust and dirt. You can do this without removing the metal cable end cap.

Wet lube like oils can freeze in cold weather, getting thick and sticky. Or it might turn dust into oily mud and stick. So the dry lubes can be best. You can use light oils, but that might mean having to re do the procedure more often.

I do tend to use oil at first, when trying to resurrect old rusted bikes. Then when oil has flushed a lot of gunk out, switch to dry lubes.

 

[100volts+]

Since my cables and housing are all new now, I checked Amazon.com and found dry lube for cables and what not. It's called Bike Aid Dry Slide. It's a Moly base lube. Good to know for next time.

 

[Ypedal]

quality cables make a significant difference, i use Jagwire on most of my bikes, it's straight stranded on the jacket side vs coil type, less flex, and stiffer core with nylon liner, cables ride thru like silk...

 

[KMB]

We run many pieces of equipment on our farm. Many of them use cable actuated hydraulics used throughout the year in wet and freezing conditions. We have found that one of the best lubricants and anti corrosion methods is to simply soak the cable and housing in anti-freeze. Seems to work well.

 

[dogman dan]

Interesting approach for cold weather. Glycol is pretty slippery. I was sure you were leading up to saying diesel or oil thinned with something.

 

[KMB]

Actually, during my A&P (Airframe & Powerplant) days, we used this trick also.
Kent

 

[amberwolf]

http://sheldonbrown.com/cables.html

 

[dannyboyohyeah]

Strip out the old cables, give the housings a blast with the compressor nozzle....then, lubricate your cables with graphite powder. Squirt abit into the housings as well...another blast to push it through. Should be all set. Smooth as silk. Replace any housings with the slightest kink.