Author Topic: Any photos / procedure for lubing clutch cable nipples?  (Read 7827 times)

Offline gohabsgo k75

  • ^ Motobrick Curious
  • Posts: 59
Any photos / procedure for lubing clutch cable nipples?
« on: June 08, 2012, 05:27:53 AM »
I thought I saw something in here but now can't find it, on how to lube the clutch cable nipples / barrels or whatever you call them thing a ma jiggies?
Larry

1987 K75

Offline Scott_

  • Administrator
  • ^ Quintessential Motobricker
  • Posts: 2242
Re: Any photos / procedure for lubing clutch cable nipples?
« Reply #1 on: June 08, 2012, 06:56:18 AM »
I have used the same spray silicone that I use on my windscreen rails.
Just be careful not to get it inside the cable sheath.
  • My Garage
1995 K1100LT 0302044
2017 FLHTK Ultra Limited
1997 K1100LT 0302488 (R.I.P.)
1997 R1100RT ZC62149(sold)
"One who does not ask questions is ashamed to learn" Danish proverb

Offline mjydrafter

  • ^ Proficient Motobricker
  • Posts: 174
Re: Any photos / procedure for lubing clutch cable nipples?
« Reply #2 on: June 08, 2012, 08:29:57 AM »
Just undo the cable at both ends like you were going to replace it.  Add a bit of your favorite grease (a smidge of the moly 60 or guard dog or what ever you have laying about) to the barrel ends.  Re-install and adjust per the manual.

You will now have done more preventative maintenance than 95% of the motorcycle/push biking community.  And your cables will thank you by not breaking when you need them.

Beldan cables seem to break most of the time right at the ends, by these barrels. 
1986 BMW K75c
1974 Suzuki TC-185 (the little 10 speed)

Offline gohabsgo k75

  • ^ Motobrick Curious
  • Posts: 59
Re: Any photos / procedure for lubing clutch cable nipples?
« Reply #3 on: June 08, 2012, 09:49:56 AM »
Just undo the cable at both ends like you were going to replace it.  Add a bit of your favorite grease (a smidge of the moly 60 or guard dog or what ever you have laying about) to the barrel ends.  Re-install and adjust per the manual.

You will now have done more preventative maintenance than 95% of the motorcycle/push biking community.  And your cables will thank you by not breaking when you need them.

Beldan cables seem to break most of the time right at the ends, by these barrels.

That sounds real simple but I've never attempted something like this on any motorbike before.  I have done brake cables on a bicycle but they don't have junk in the way like choke control, etc.  I was hoping that there was a bit more of a step by step that someone had loaded on to the site.

Larry
Larry

1987 K75

Offline mjydrafter

  • ^ Proficient Motobricker
  • Posts: 174
Re: Any photos / procedure for lubing clutch cable nipples?
« Reply #4 on: June 08, 2012, 11:02:12 AM »
1.  Screw the adjuster at the lever all the way in. 

2.  Go down to the clutch end, push the clutch arm up and pull out the barrel end.

3.  Go back up to the lever and remove the cable end, with all the slack from unattached clutch arm.

4.  Grease both ends.

5.  Assemble lever end first. 

6.  Adjust the adjuster, until there is 75mm of cable at the clutch end. 

7.  Hook the bottom barrel back in the clutch arm.

You could also lube the actual clutch lever while you have it all apart, if you really want to get silly. :neener:

If you've done Bike cables, this will be easy-peasy, just get in there and do it. :yes
1986 BMW K75c
1974 Suzuki TC-185 (the little 10 speed)

Offline frankenduck

  • Adrninistrator
  • ^ Quintessential Motobricker
  • Posts: 5511
Re: Any photos / procedure for lubing clutch cable nipples?
« Reply #5 on: June 08, 2012, 11:10:01 AM »
Easy way to free the clutch cable: Pull the clutch in and stick a piece of wood between the exhaust and the clutch arm.  The piece of wood keeps the clutch arm "pulled in" until you're ready to re-attach it.

Use a 10mm open end box wrench and a screw driver to remove the clutch pivot for the clutch lever.  Take the pin out and then you can pull the clutch lever out and lube the ferrule that holds the end of the clutch cable.

Put it back together.

Lube the barrel at the clutch arm end.  Put it back in the clutch arm.  Pull in the clutch lever and remove the piece of wood.
Once I had a Collie pup. Dug a hole and covered him up. Now I sit there by the hour. Waiting for a Collie-flower.
New to K bikes? Click here.
K Bike Maintenance & Mods: Click here.
Buy parts here.

Offline gohabsgo k75

  • ^ Motobrick Curious
  • Posts: 59
Re: Any photos / procedure for lubing clutch cable nipples?
« Reply #6 on: June 08, 2012, 11:36:40 AM »
OK, thanks to m & f.  Even without photos, I think I can follow this.  Have a great day!

Larry
Larry

1987 K75

Tags: