Throttle cable replacement.

[mikeR1100R]

The Haynes manual states that throttle cable replacement should be done every 18,000 miles. Since I will have the tank off to do the fuel filter on my 98 R1100R with 23,000 miles, I thought I would replace the throttle cable as well, (also the battery}. My question is should the throttle cable actually be replaced that often? I don't have any isssues with throttle operation or problems with TB sync. Would it be prudent to just inspect and lube the cables?

The cable distributor unit looks pretty complex with a number of moving parts. Does any part of that assembly need lubrication or will that eventually just attract dust and grime and gum it up? If I replace the throttle cable, would it not make sense to replace all four cables coming and going from the distributor unit?

Also, does anyone have a good method of lubricating the cables? The method shown in the Haynes book looks very messy.

Thanks,

Mike

[bmwmick]

Do NOT lube the cables. Apply some light grease to the barrel-ends but that's all. I wouldn't bother at 23K unles you are having problems. I just replaced my original throtle cable ('96 RT with single cable) at 55K because it got stiff.

 

The fast idle cable hardly ever needs replaced.

 

Mick

[kioolt]

I just replaced the cables on my 04 R1150RT for the first time at 60k. I wasn't having any problems but I did it for peace of mind. I didn't see any reason to change the fast idle cable and as long as I own this bike it will probably never get replaced. I don't think it will ever break because of its limited travel and use. Some people recommend replacing the cable junction box. I bought one and I did replace it. In my opinion it was a waste of my money to replace the junction box. The old one looked fine after I cleaned the dirt and grime off of it. I will not plan on replacing the junction box again and if for some reason it does fail I will use the old one I took out last week. But I doubt it will fail.

[Ken H.]

If it isn't broke, don't fix it. Especially with only 18K on the bike.

 

As mentioned, the cables are designed to operate dry.

[wingnut]

In my opinion it was a waste of my money to replace the junction box. The old one looked fine after I cleaned the dirt and grime off of it. I will not plan on replacing the junction box again and if for some reason it does fail I will use the old one I took out last week. But I doubt it will fail.

 

+1