A couple months ago we were talking about options for lubricating the rudder cables.  I bought some Cable Life with a small attachment that clamps around the end of the cable tubing to let you inject it into the cable from one end.  Well.....

 

The clamp leaked really badly, 99% of the lubricant dripped down on the rag, very little went down the cable.  So I tried another way.  It took a small drill bit, the size of the red tube that extends from the spray can (like WD 40), I think it was a #43,  I drilled a hole in the rudder tubing (very carefully) about mid-length, which worked out to be the baggage area.

 

The stuff shot down the cable and dripped out both ends within a few seconds.  Very little leakage.  I gave it a few more seconds of spray to clear any contaminants from the line.

 

The reduction in friction was dramatic, I would estimate 1/10th of what it was.  The pedals almost feel like they are free swinging.  The holes in the tubing are tiny and hidden under the interior trim.  I put a piece of tape over the holes to prevent any dust from getting into the line.  It should be a very simple job at each condition inspection to give a squirt in the hole and re-lube.

 

No long term data yet.  Stay tuned.

 

 

Mike Easley

ES