Shift cable lubricant?

[va_life]

Hello,

I would like to know what (if anything) you like to use to keep shifter bushings and cables lubricated if that doesn't do more harm than good.

I am interested in lubricating bushings/cables at the shifter and at the trans. Sure these line items can be replaced and will need to be replaced at some point but I prefer to try and maintain things where possible.

The car is a MK4 2003 Golf TDI 5 speed.

Thanks.

 

[fantastic]

Hello,

I would like to know what (if anything) you like to use to keep shifter bushings and cables lubricated if that doesn't do more harm than good.

I am interested in lubricating bushings/cables at the shifter and at the trans. Sure these line items can be replaced and will need to be replaced at some point but I prefer to try and maintain things where possible.

The car is a MK4 2003 Golf TDI 5 speed.

Thanks.

I use chain lube spray in a can with a straw.

 

[D60]

I use chain lube spray in a can with a straw.

I should get some of that. What brand do you prefer?

 

[Lubener]

I should get some of that. What brand do you prefer?

Napa has a good one as well as your local motorcycle dealer.

 

[fantastic]

I should get some of that. What brand do you prefer?

To be honest I just get whatever I can find at Oreilly's Auto parts or Walmart or Menards but not sure if you have those out west. Important part is the straw to penetrate into the cable jacket.

 

[Endo600]

I would recommend Motion Pro Cable Lube. I come from the powersport world and its always been a solid product for clutch cables, throttle cables and such. PB blaster also makes a good cable lube that may be easier to find for you.

I saw chain lube mentioned above, I would just make sure its not the "clinging" type as this can add friction, its probably a non issue for a transmission cable but in powersports I tend to stay away from using it as that little friction could make a huge difference for a throttle cable and cause it to stick.

 

[KYMISTWALKER]

Dollar tree equals $1.25
Can’t beat it!

 

[meep]

I would be picky about lubing an inner cable. The housing should be lined with a plastic sleeve, maybe nylon with Teflon. Do NOT get debris in it, or it will tear it up. Lightweight oils as mentioned above are best, not heavy as it will gum it up. I’d probably go back to a good wet lube such as you’d use on a mountain bike brake cable. Pedro’s, synlube….

 

[Marrk]

I use chain lube spray in a can with a straw.

I wouldn't use that. If it's any good, it will be too tacky for lubing cables.

 

[Marrk]

@va_life There used to be dedicated products for lubing motorcycle cables. I even had an adapter-fitting-thingy to attach to the end of a clutch cable, which would then accept the snorkel of the aerosol lube can. Of course, if you can figure out what is in a cable lube, then you could make he appropriate substitution. Maybe the OEM doesn't even use oil. Maybe they use grease or some teflon-type product. You might run it by your local Golf TDI Forum.

@Lubener might know better than me about the current situation with motorcycle cable lube. My bikes went to hydraulic clutch systems after 1984.

 

[Gus_Mahn]

I use Delco Superlube which is plastic safe. I think it might be rebranded Synco Lube.