C1 Windshield Wiper Switch (Bowden Cable)
The windshield wiper switch on my '62 has always been difficult to move. It's a bowden cable. Rotating the knob pushes and pulls the cable to move the slider that activates the switch on the motor. Today I took it off the car to bring it inside. It's now a Winter project. How do I lubricate this thing? I know I can send it to Tom Maxwell, but I'd rather fiddle with it myself. How are bowden cables lubricated?
-
-
Re: C1 Windshield Wiper Switch (Bowden Cable)
If it's the original, it'll be metal center with metal sprial. It's NOT sealed like later cables with plastic sheathing. Hence, a LIGHT application of oil along the outer spiral sheath should soak. Then, gentle 'exercise' will distribute the lube inside the cable... -
Re: C1 Windshield Wiper Switch (Bowden Cable)
for "tight" bowden cables, i run the outer housing thru a wire brush on my bench grinder, then saturate the exterior of the cable housing with kroil(in the past) and now Kimball Midwest torq "cb" penetrating oil which i feel is superior to kroil. i try to insert some of the penetrating oil into the cable housing but feel most lubricant reaches the inner wire via external application. after i've saturated the housing, gently bend the housingback and forth to facilitate its penetration.then work the cable knob for 15 minutes or so to remove most of the oxidation that is the root of the problem. Tom and Jay Maxwell are very knowledgable if all else fails.mikeComment
-
Re: C1 Windshield Wiper Switch (Bowden Cable)
Coincidently I did almost exactly what Mike suggested last night to two '53 hood pull cables. Bench grinder wire brush then Kroil the spiral casing.Comment
Comment