Life of clutch cable?

OldStan · Post by **OldStan** » Mon Feb 03, 2014 9:52 pm

My CA77 clutch cable (longer style) just broke, again. The original (well, it was on the bike when I rebuilt it) lasted a little over a year. I got a new one from Retrobikes, it lasted about the same length of time. About 1200 miles total between the two, but a lot of town driving. My question is, what is the normal life for a clutch cable?

Could I be doing something wrong? The pull on the cable doesn't seem excessive. The clutch still drags slightly until the oil warms up, so I don't think its too tight.

Is there a better quality cable out there? I tend to be cheap, but don't mind spending if I'll get a better product.

48lesco · Post by **48lesco** » Mon Feb 03, 2014 10:28 pm

Hi Stan - I've got a '66 with what I believe to be the original cable with 16k on it. Another one with 8k also original. They're both late Dreams with the shorter cable. Where are yours breaking? I guess routing and lube could play a role. Maybe try to find an OEM cable.
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OldStan · Post by **OldStan** » Tue Feb 04, 2014 8:49 am

Both broke at the barrel on the lever end. I made sure the routing was right, as large curves as possible. The older cable like mine does have one more curve than the later cable. Maybe that was the reason for the change?

48lesco · Post by **48lesco** » Tue Feb 04, 2014 9:10 am

Stan - check that the barrel is free to rotate in the clutch lever, so that the cable is always only in pure tension as you actuate the lever. If the barrel sticks at all, the cable will flex and fatigue at that location. I use a little moly grease on those ends to make sure they don't stick.
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OldStan · Post by **OldStan** » Tue Feb 04, 2014 10:42 am

Makes sense- I'll be sure to check that and lube on new cable. Thanks.