Cable Problems ( Cold)

Cable Problems ( Cold)

In the past few weeks, I have started having cable problems. The temperatures have gone below
freezing rather consistently. Both my rear shifter cable and one brake cable have been totally
unwilling to work. They are both new. Should I be dismantling and drying somehow? Should I switch
the lube to something like anti-freeze?

When it comes to freezing, I am a neophyte on the subject of cable freezing. However, I deduct that
moisture is settling into your cables. I normally use a marine grade grease with PTFE. According to
the claims, this grease prevents moisture from entering into the friction area. I suggest that the
cables be cooked at low heat to expel any moisture before applying the grease. Upon applying a
liberal amount to the inner cable, I would also apply the grease to all exposed areas of the inside
cable to prevent moisture from wicking back into the housing.

Of course, I'm confident that someone has perhaps a better solution than this. Therefore, I humbly
await to read more on this subject.

Rick Horwitz www.hellbentcycles.com

"Jay" <jay@siberian.org> wrote in message news:BC01C696.25B1B%jay@siberian.org...
> Cable Problems ( Cold)
>
> In the past few weeks, I have started having cable problems. The temperatures have gone below
> freezing rather consistently. Both my rear shifter cable and one brake cable have been totally
> unwilling to work. They are both new. Should I be dismantling and drying somehow? Should I switch
> the lube to something like anti-freeze?

Jay: use a lube solvent like LPS #1 or #2 inside of the gear and brake housing as well as the cables
themselfs. these solvents do NOT freeze and it will keep your cables free flowing. Thank you Earl
GRR,RANS V2 Ti Rush,Ti Pursuit

> use a lube solvent like LPS #1 or #2 inside of the gear and brake housing as well as the cables
> themselfs. these solvents do NOT freeze and it will keep your cables free flowing. Thank you Earl

What is LPS?

>Should I be dismantling and drying somehow?

I usually just replace the cable and housing when it freezes. It is full of water and dirt that does
not get out easily.

>Should I switch the lube to something like anti-freeze?

Synthetic oil, or any oil that stays liquid in cold.

Shimano XTR cables come with housings that seal the cable. This might work, but so far i have
not found anyone who would sell the seals in small quatities. I'm hoping the seals fit standard
cable housings.

http://www.sjscycles.com/store/cat467.htm

This page lists some interesting cable lubricator things, and they sell the XTR seals in
packs of 100.

"Jay" <jay@siberian.org> wrote in message
news:BC01C696.25B1B%jay@siberian.org...
> Cable Problems ( Cold)
>
> In the past few weeks, I have started having cable problems. The temperatures have gone below
> freezing rather consistently. Both my rear shifter cable and one brake cable have been totally
> unwilling to work. They are both new. Should I be dismantling and drying somehow? Should I switch
> the lube to something like anti-freeze?

Here's a method that seems to be good for a whole winter: it basically involves running the cable
inner in a bath of antifreeze retained by the cable outer.

Needed: small quantity ethylene glycol antifreeze, undiluted, length plastic tubing that fits over a
cable outer and into the Schraeder end of a pump (I use transparent oxygen-mask tubing)

Method: Remove crimps from cable ends and superglue or solder the cable-ends instead to stop
them fraying Remove cable inners. Suck some antifreeze into the tube - a few inches is plenty..
Keep it in the
U.Fit the tube over the cable outer and into the Schraeder head of a pump. Slowly operate the pump
until water is pushed out and clean antifreeze emerges from the other end of the outer. Detach
tube. Refit inners and adjust brakes and gears.

Pure antifreeze will inhibit rust and allows slick shifting and braking. Grease goes too thick at
low temps IME. It will prevent new water getting in and will prevent freezing for a long time.
Antifreeze is only a bit more toxic than ordinary alcohol, but don't drink it, wipe up any spillage
and don't let pets or children get at it.

SteveC (Norway)