The clutch cable in my 1980 245 DL with 434K miles needs to be oiled up again (the car has an M-46). The clutch is much to jumpy and "sticky" for my liking, and I know it's cable related.

(It makes me really wish I would have bought a genuine Volvo Clutch Cable. Stay away from after market clutch cables!)

My question is, what do you all think I should use? What have you used in the past? I know not to use something like WD-40, since it seems to turn into nasty sticky residue over time.

Any suggestions?

Thanks as always.

If you go to a motorcycle shop, they should have a can of chain and cable lube and a clamp that goes on the end of the cable so that the lube is forced down the full length of the cable.

NAPA also sells chain and cable lube, but I've not seen the clamp in NAPA.

The important things are:
1) Use lubricant that won't attack the plastic in the cable.
2) Force lubricant down the full length of the cable

Do your hood latch cable while you are at it.

It works great for handbrake cables as well, but they should only be done while the brakes are off because lube squirts out the far end of the cable when you are done.

I lube all the cables some time in the first two years after I buy a car, then again after another 10 years. I've not purchased a new cable for any car - ever - and I drive them 15 to 20 years.

I found no amount of powdered graphite could make a brand new aftermarket clutch cable work as well as a used Volvo clutch cable. I would buy a Volvo clutch cable.
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john

...Unfortunately, I don't have the money right now to upgrade the cable.

Right now I'm trying to get another month out of this cable, and then I'll have enough to buy the $95 Volvo cable.

Anyone possibly know of a cheaper source for one?

Hey.....hope your cable leaves you stranded...then we can catch up with you mileage !! Only kidding..... I may have an extra Volvo cable....it's yours for shipping from 05201. I'll check it out in the Am.

Any new adventures to share ??

Previously "calm".
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84, 242GLTi, 167K, 4+OD, in rehab; 89, 245 DL, 254K, M 47, daily driver; 93, 245, auto, 167K ; and other toys.

"Hey.....hope your cable leaves you stranded...then we can catch up with you mileage !!"

Ha, not likely!

A few months ago, my clutch cable pulled through the firewall. I had just picked up my sister from school, when suddenly the pedal did nothing. It went to the floor, and didn't come back up.

Well, I was able to get us home using the good ol' slip shifting technique. That was quite an adventure.

I don't think I ever posted pictures of my firewall fix. I ended up welding a few washers to where it came through. That cable is never going to pull through again!

"Anyone possibly know of a cheaper source for one? "
They're easy to remove (and install)... so a UPullIt?
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1980 245 Canadian B21A with SU carb and M46 trans