Fitting and Maintaining cables

Afetr Bulls near Death experiance I looked up the Venhill website and found the following recommendation good advice

Ollie

CABLE INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations are given as guide to you help install and setup your cables and make
sure you get the best from Venhill products.
INSTALLING A NEW CABLE
• Note the routing of the original cable.
• Check that the overall dimensions are the same as the old one. Inner cable lengths may be
slightly different, as the old cables will have stretched slightly over time.
• Before installing the new cable, hold the cable upright and use a few drops of a light 3 in 1 oil to
lubricate the inner cable. Move the inner up and down to ease the oil down the cable.
• When the new cable is ready to be fitted, route the cable carefully and in most cases, as per the
old cable, Make sure the cable will comfortably reach its intended connection.
• If the original cable routing is via a heat source, make sure that there is a suitable gap between
the cable and the heat source.
• If cables ties are required to route the cable, leave them loose allowing the cable to move. Too
tight and they will restrict the operation of the cable and its ability to move with the handlebars.
• For Push-Pull / Open-Close throttle cables, always connect and adjust the pull/ open cable first
where possible.
• Where nipples require lubrication in levers or linkages, use a small amount of copper grease.
Avoid using heavy greases as these will attract dirt, restrict the movement of the nipple and cause
excessive wear and stress on the nipple and cable.
• When the cable has been installed, check the steering lock to lock and check the operation of the
cable at both extremes of steering. Check that the cable does not go tight and that operation is
not impaired. If one of the above is true, check the cable routing, adjustment and that all the
nipples are located properly.
MAINTENANCE
Cable maintenance is essential to prolong the life of the cable and maintain the operation of the cable.
• MX bikes – After a race meeting or as often as possible after power washing, remove the cables
from the bike and flush through with WD40. Keep flushing them through until the fluid runs clear.
Once clean, lubricate the cable again with a light 3 in 1 oil and check the cable routing. Also
lubricate nipples where required with Copper grease.
• Trail bikes – When servicing or after power washing, remove the cables from the bike and flush
through with WD40. Keep flushing them through until the fluid runs clear.
Once clean, lubricate the cable again with a light 3 in 1 oil and check the cable routing. Also
lubricate nipples where required with Copper grease.
• Road bikes – At the beginning and end of the summer, remove the cables and flush through with
WD40. Once clean, lubricate the cable with a light 3 in 1 general purpose oil and lubricate nipples
where required with Copper grease. Note barrel nipples must be free to rotate in the lever blade.
Do not use heavy engine oils, chain lubricants or grease to lubricate cables as this will attract dirt,
increase cable wear and reduce the operation of the cable. Remember: Cables are a service item and
should be replaced at regular intervals. If you are in any doubt about replacing or installing a cable
please consult you’re nearest qualified motorcycle mechanic.