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MG MGB Technical - Hood/Bonnet release lubrication

How does one lubricate the release cable for the hood? I have lubricated the mechanism but it is still incredibly difficult to open.
Stephen Lewis

Pull the whole assy, Remove cable from sheath and grease. If the cable end is frayed don't bother buy a new one. IMO buy a new one, lube and install.

-mike
Mike Zaffarano

Hi

Some people recommend graphited grease for cables as the graphite continues to lubricate after normal grease / oil has hardened / dried.

I believe that graphite isn't good for use in areas exposed to moisture as it tends to accelerate corrosion due to galvanic effects.

It works for me.. what do others think ?.

Don
Don

Silicone lubricant on external fixture, some kind of grease on cable.
J.T. Bamford

I might as well get in the observation while this thread is fairly hot that the problems caused by a snapped bonnet cable are really serious. If you haven't gotten around to checking your bonnet-pull for some time then just stop and figure how on earth you might get your bonnet open without it - try it for a real scare! midgets are easy but Bs pose a very different kind of problem.
Marc

A long, long time ago someone suggested attaching a long wire-tie to the release --- something that could be fished through the grill if/when the cable broke.
Dan

It may not be the cable at all but the latch itself. With the hood open, try pulling the cable from inside. If it is easy to move, the latch may need adjustment. For $10.00 and a half-hour of work, you may as well put on a new one.
Mike Crowley

I have been able to lube the bonnet release cable by spraying the outer sheath with PB Blaster, a heavily lubed penetrating solution/oil. I know, sounds flaky, but it does work. The hard part is controlling the spray so that it goes straight onto the metal sheath. The lube seems to go right on thru the slight gap in the spiral wrap and keeps the cable free. Been doing this for several years now and it seems to work well on the cars and trucks I have done it to. Obviously, this method is for unjacketed cable housings only. FWIW.
Bob Muenchausen

Most motorbike shops sell a cable lubricater attachment for about ten dollars.

This gadget fits over the end on the cable and allows a pressure can to spray lubricant into the cable between the inner wire and the outer covering.

One big plus is it is quick , cheap , effective and the cable stays in place so there is no need to reset any adjustments.

Cheers, Pete.
Peter Thomas

Yes I remember those cable lubricators from a long time ago. I had forgotten about them and yes they are really the excellent solution - bonnet cables, choke cables etc.
Marc

This thread was discussed between 22/09/2003 and 24/09/2003

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