Clutch cable lubrication?

[skid542]

So my clutch has began stick recently and it particularly noticable when I'm driving in stop and go traffic and need fine clutch control. I've looked all the linkage and best I can figure the stick is in the cable itself. Namely between the plastic coating that is over the steel cable and the cable housing. So that brings me to my question - how do I lubricate this thing? Is there an easy way that doesn't involve pulling the whole thing out? Anybody have an experience with this or any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

[entirelyturbo]

Theoretically, it shouldn't ever need to be lubricated. I had mine replaced over 5 years and 60k miles ago, and I've done absolutely nothing other than adjust it.

If your pedal is sticking, you've either got a problem with the clutch itself, or your cable is fraying inside. Is the pedal stiff, difficult to move? That's usually a sign that the cable is fraying and needs to be replaced.

[206er]

id say lock graphite to avoid dust gumming it up and such, though IIRC I used some finish line teflon drip lube meant for bicycles and the clutch feels silky smooth 2 years after the conversion.

[skid542]

Thanks for the input, this sounds like I'm going to have to take the cable out of the car and do something with it, kinda figured as much but was hoping somebody'd have a 'miracle' cure.

The clutch should be fine, I changed it not more than 3k ago when I changed the throwout bearing. It's not so much stiff as it just has an uneven feel to it. Sometimes it seems like it's just fine and if I shift quickly I don't notice it but it's when I'm trying to just slip it a little that I really notice it.

How much is a new cable? The car has 150k on it and I'd venture a guess it's original.

[206er]

uneven feel might be wear on the throwout bearing stub on the trans, its been known to seize the throwout bearing.

[skid542]

I found out a new cable is $45, more than I have to fix a nusiance right now. So I'm going to let it go and see what happens.

Jeremy, that could be possible. I did replace the TO bearing about 5k ago in an effort to try and quiet my tranny down. Didn't do much and I've pinned the noise down to a bad input bearing in the tranny. So I'd expect with it going out it'd take a few other little things as well.

[206er]

I found out a new cable is $45, more than I have to fix a nusiance right now. So I'm going to let it go and see what happens.

Jeremy, that could be possible. I did replace the TO bearing about 5k ago in an effort to try and quiet my tranny down. Didn't do much and I've pinned the noise down to a bad input bearing in the tranny. So I'd expect with it going out it'd take a few other little things as well.

well what happens is that since the snout of the trans is aluminum, the throwout bearing wears its path into the snout and it takes on a sort of step. Ive never heard of a bad input bearing on a 5mt so I cant comment on that.