Re: How Much graphite is enough?

Posted by Rusty O\'Toole On 2012/1/16 0:47:45

Get a tube of speedometer cable grease from the auto parts store. $1.79 for a lifetime supply.

Unscrew the cable off the transmission and pull out the inner cable. If it is not rusted, kinked or worn out grease it and put it back in. Wipe off the old grease and coat the cable with fresh grease. Do not grease the top 6" or 1 foot. This is to prevent the grease working into the speedo. Feed the cable back in. You may have to spin it with your fingers to get it to go the last little bit. Put the cable back on the transmission and you are done.

This needs to be done every 25 years or 100,000 miles.

PS check that the cable is not bent or kinked. It should han gracefully in smooth curves and straight lines. If someone has bent it into an awkward position, that will increase friction and make the cable jumpy.

PPS you used to be able to buy a new inner cable, universal fit, from the parts store if your old cable is worn. You do not have to replace the whole thing.