Cable Lube

Discussion in 'Vintage Classics' started by Obijohnkenobe, Jul 18, 2025.

  1. Obijohnkenobe

    Obijohnkenobe Well-Known Member

    Dec 14, 2020
    194
    83
    Tonbridge, Kent, UK
    Hi all, as a new owner of a '72 Daytona I will probably have a lot of questions for those of you who know about these things! My first one is a simple one about how best to lube the speedo and rev counter cables. The speedo particularly is all over the place and although usual vibration will always make it jump around a bit, it is excessive at the moment. Before I do anything else I want to make sure the cables are cleaned and "oiled" as best they can be. Back in the day (I used to have a 5TA about 40 years ago!) I just used 3 in 1 oil, but things have probably moved on a bit. I read that white lithium grease could do a good job? Interested in what folks here use. Many thanks.
     
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  2. joe mc donald

    Subscriber

    Dec 26, 2014
    15,575
    1,000
    slough / burnham
    @Obijohnkenobe I use a syringe and needle and 10/40 oil or three in one. I just sit the needle in the cable and leave overnight and seems to work for me.
     
  3. Obijohnkenobe

    Obijohnkenobe Well-Known Member

    Dec 14, 2020
    194
    83
    Tonbridge, Kent, UK
    The speedo inner cable came out easily so lubed that up. It was very dry. The rev counter one won't pull out so the syringe trick sounds the way to go.

    Thanks
     
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  4. speedrattle

    speedrattle Senior Member

    Feb 19, 2021
    1,182
    243
    appalachia usa
    the thing about cables to the clocks is that you dont want lube to get up into the works.

    i always unscrew the thimble under the instrument, pull out the cable, and lube it with a white lithium grease, although in my shady past ive used any grease that i had.

    i dont lube the top six inches of inner cable to keep it away from the gears. then i reassemble. ive done this for many years with no issues.

    the rev counter cable should come out. unscrew the thimble from the bottom and lift it out of the drive unit. if it wont move you ve likely got some corrosion in there.

    you can lube that drive unit as well
     
  5. Obijohnkenobe

    Obijohnkenobe Well-Known Member

    Dec 14, 2020
    194
    83
    Tonbridge, Kent, UK
    Sounds sensible. I have anoil leak at the tacho housing so will have to take the cable off at some stage anyway. So will lube it up then. Thanks
     
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