Need recommendation for cable lube for braided cables Harley Transmission, Harley Clutch & Harley Primary Discuss Need recommendation for cable lube for braided cables in the Harley Tech & Harley How-to forums; I have the H-D Diamondback cables, a coated, braided, stainless-steel cable. Since I want to keep them as bright as possible, what is the recommended lube? Anything w/ graphite will ...

[fxst-rider]

I have the H-D Diamondback cables, a coated, braided, stainless-steel cable. Since I want to keep them as bright as possible, what is the recommended lube? Anything w/ graphite will discolor them (I think). Thanks.

I am not familiar with the H-D Diamondback cables or thier construction,
but...
I have used liquid graphite cable lube for years.
Don't apply it too fast and it won't overflow and make a mess.
If your cables have a clear coat sheathing on them then soap and water will clean the graphite off. If the individual wires have a clear coat on them and it is without a clear sheathing, like the sterling chromite series, then brake cleaner will clean them.
Carb cleaner can hurt both designs.
Hope this helps.

[94flhtcu]

Be careful with the liquid graphite on hd diamond back braid- the liquid AND graphite will end up on the inside of the clear shield, but on the outside of the stainless braid. And it looks like crap. I returned the cable and lube, all recommended to me by the hd parts dude. Ordered me another cable, and lubed this one with dry graphite. Once I got some in the tube, I gently blew graphite down the tube, several times, working the cable as I went to insure it was well lubed. Evidently, the inner tube is not sealed from the outer shield. I was surprised, but thinkin back, I should have expected it. Doing it this way may still get graphite in the jacket, but it's not nearly as noticeable as the liquid lube. And, I think oil lubes are out of the question. Good luck!

I have braided lines. I use good ol general all purpose oil. Use it on door hinges, Kids bike chains or a little inside the can cooler if its too tight to go over the bottle. Just squeeze slow. No problems. Cables have not rusted and slide just fine. It has not seeped through the braid to the outside clearcoat plastic. Dry graphite is a pain in the ass. It goes every where except where you need it. Have not used the liquid Graphite. So I cannot comment on it.