Lubricating dirt bike cables helps ensure smooth operation of your throttle, clutch, and brake controls, preventing wear and potential failure. The most effective way to lubricate cables is often by using a dedicated cable lubricator tool.
Why Lubricate Your Dirt Bike Cables?
Over time, dirt and moisture can enter cable housings, causing friction and corrosion. This leads to:
- Stiff or sticky controls (throttle, clutch, brakes)
- Increased effort required to operate levers
- Premature wear or breaking of the cable
Regular lubrication keeps the inner wire sliding smoothly within the housing, extending the life of your cables and maintaining crisp control feel.
Step-by-Step Cable Lubrication Process
Using a cable lubricator tool makes the process quick and efficient, forcing lubricant down the entire length of the cable housing.
Here's how to lubricate dirt bike cables with a lubricator tool:
- Prepare the Cable: Disconnect the cable from its lever or carburetor/injector body. This usually involves loosening adjusters and potentially removing clevis pins or barrel nipples.
- Clean the Cable Ends: Wipe down the exposed wire and the ends of the housing to remove surface dirt.
- Attach the Cable Lubricator Tool: Slip the cable end (usually the one that fits into the tool's opening) into the lubricator tool. Ensure the tool is securely clamped onto the cable housing. This creates a seal that allows pressure to build.
- Insert Lubricant: Insert the nozzle of your chosen cable lubricant into the small hole or opening on the cable lubricator tool.
- Apply Lubricant: Press the lubricant can to force the lube into the tool and down the cable housing.
- As seen in the reference: You should "just let it go until you see the Lube start coming out the bottom of the cable." This indicates that the lubricant has successfully traveled through the entire housing.
- Have a Rag Handy: It's wise to "have a rag here just in case" to catch excess lube that comes out the bottom end or leaks from the tool.
- Remove Tool & Reassemble: Once lube appears at the bottom, remove the lubricator tool. Wipe off any excess lubricant from the cable.
- Cycle the Cable: Move the inner wire back and forth several times by hand to help distribute the lubricant evenly within the housing.
- Reinstall the Cable: Reconnect the cable to your lever and carburetor/injector. Adjust slack as needed according to your bike's service manual.
Tips for Best Results
- Use a high-quality cable lubricant specifically designed for motorcycle or bicycle cables.
- Perform this maintenance regularly, especially after riding in wet or muddy conditions.
- Ensure the cable lubricator tool forms a tight seal around the cable housing for effective pressure.
Following these steps will help keep your dirt bike cables operating smoothly and reliably, ensuring safe and responsive control while riding.
