Greetings...and Cj5 Clutch Issue

Thanks, Tim Reese. Your recommendation on keeping a spare clutch cable has been duly noted! I always keep a 'just-in-case' radiator hose handy, so I guess I'll just add a clutch cable to my 'contingency' bag

 

I've pulled the old cable and have a new one on order -- should be here next Thursday (7.18). On inspection of the old cable, I found a location that had apparently been resting on the exhaust. The casing was melted through to the outer metal. Not sure if that kind of heat could be a cause for stretching or binding, but I did not see any frays. In any case, I will be adding a clamp on installation of the new cable to eliminate this threat in the future.

I'll post the outcome of the new cable installation. I hope that does the trick (I'm sure I'll have some questions about installation specs; specifically on the amount of slack to keep in the cable).

 

While I await my new clutch cable, are there any recommendations regarding pre-installation lubing of the cable? I've looked at related posts in other older threads and the consensus was mixed as to whether or not it's a good idea to pre-lubricate the cable. Some suggested slowly soaking WD40 (or similar) into the cable casing over a 24-hour period before installing, while others expressed concern that added lubrication to the factory powder can cause gumming inside the casing over time and cause the cable to seize. Any insights are appreciated. Thanks.

 

Gotcha. Thanks, Howard.

 

I am a Retired Ironworker, in my experience I have learned Cables don't stretch until they are failing. That being said, I think you just need to replace the cable, because of the damage you have found. As far a pre-lubing the cable I would not do it, it could make things worse by collecting sand and grit and get it inside the housing. Some cables have a Nylon liner inside the housing to act as a lube, the heat from the exhaust may have damaged the liner causing all your problems, just a theory. Good Luck what ever you do.

 

Rick: Thanks so much. The cable is supposed to arrive tomorrow afternoon (Thursday) and I hope to finish the installation on Friday morning. In view of your comments, and Howard's above, both warning against pre-lubing the cable, I think I'll just install it as is. Sure appreciate your helpful input.

 

Yea if it's a quality cable, no lubrication required.
I still am using the factory Jeep cable I installed in 1983.
Yes, I carry a spare cable.
If the cable is routed away from exhaust, and you don't use your Jeep as a submarine (includes mud) they should last and last.

 

Thanks again, jpflat2a. This jeep doesn't see mud or water; as of late it barely sees pavement!
Amazing that you have the same cable since '83! Wow. Hopefully the new cable fixes the issue and lasts just as long (with careful routing, of course, to your point).

 

Halfway through installing my new clutch cable. The clutch cable mounting bracket (there are 2 brackets on my rig; I'm referring to the one closest to the bell housing) has an after-market cable guide installed on it and will not allow the cable to go through it (it's too narrow). I think I need to remove the old cable guide from the bracket and replace it with something different to secure the cable to the bracket (the stock set-up was just a simple retaining clip, which is what I have on the other bracket near the torque tube). I'm including a pic of the pesky cable guide. I have two questions, gents: 1. Any of you know how to get this wonky cable guide off?; 2. Can an alternative cable retaining clip be purchased at most auto parts stores? Any suggested clips? I guess that's 3 questions....

 

not sure what I am looking at . one piece cable clutch . only has two mounting points
does your setup look like this diagram

 

Sure does, Ron. So funny that you should add this pic because I was looking at it just moments before my post!. I'm sorry the pic is not good -- it's hard to get a decent shot of the mounting bracket. The location of my pic in #6 in the diagram.

 

I've never seen this kind of cable guide/retaining device. It appears to use retractable clips to keep the cable in place but I cant get the new cable (with cable boot) through the guide hole (left side of hardware in the pic) nor can I figure out how to remove the cable guide in order to replace it with an alternative (like a more standard and simpler cable retaining clip).

 

Yep..that looks like the bracket (although its situated slightly differently). It has the slit to slide the cable into when installing. The hardware in question is situated in the hole of the bracket. It is all one unit; a guide-hole on one side of the bracket and a retractable retaining feature on the other side.

 

The clip that should be there is #5.161-3 in the diagram above --- the same clip that is at the mounting bracket that attaches nearest to the clutch pedal control arm.

 

Here's another image from a previous post of yours, Ron, that shows the mounting bracket in position. The retaining clip I'm referring to would be on the opposite side (fwd side) of the bracket.

 

typical brake hose clip . available at your local FLAPS

 

Beauty in simplicity. Thanks a bunch, Ron. Now I just need some C-4 to take the other retaining device off!