Hitchcocks Forum

Sunny day, so out for a ride today and on the way back from the new Glasgow Riverside Transport Museum (the "award winning" one with the cars displayed on the wall where you can't see then - doh!) my clutch cable snapped! That left an interesting drive home timing the lights so I didn't need to stop, and leaves me with a little home repair to do. I'll get the cable ordered tomorrow - I know they have a reputation for snapping, but I'll just be replacing anyway, no clever internal mods this time round......but any tips on fitting the Electra X cable? Hopefully it's straightforward.

No advise for the fitting but I do suggest you buy two and carry the spare as they do break for a pastime.

Most important thing is which end broke, if it is the gearbox end (early 5 speeds were prone to this because the cable was being flexed at the nipple) and then the nipple falls down into the bottom of the box and always has the potential to get picked up and tangled up in the gears. If it was the lever end, ignore all of the above, just make sure the nipple isn't binding in the lever.

You may need to file the excess solder from the gearbox nipple to get a nice square shoulder that fits snugly in its housing.

Thanks for your comments - unfortunately it was the gearbox end, I'll need to get in for a look soon.....maybe tomorrow!

Hi Alex - It may be a good idea to try and get hold of the newer version of the 'clutch operator assembly', as fitted to the later 5 speeds, as this will reduce the wear and tear on the nipple on the gearbox end of the clutch cable. Our hosts may be able to help you. Installing the new assembly will involve draining the gear oil and taking the gearbox cover off, not too difficult a task, and will help your clutch cable last many miles.

Do be aware I received an english version from our hosts and found it to be 9inch shorter than the one I removed . Just go for the smoothest run for the cable oh and dont forget try the old trick hang up the cable and make a plasticine funnel round it and pour in molten grease . Smoother than QC

Well, thanks for all the advice - pleased to say that's our host's English made cable fitted. Took about an hour (my first time after all) but straightforward and luckily all parts were still in place to be removed, nothing lost in the 'box.... My new cable was very slightly longer than the one coming off, and a finer diameter of outer which may make it more flexible. Now routed where it can be changed without removing the seat, although on my Electra X the smoothest line still seemed to be over the engine and air filter panel rather than on the downtube. Smoooooth, but only time will tell!

Oh, also meant to say - a couple of things I noticed before the cable snapped. 1. The clutch was dragging slightly (big hint there!) and neutral was harder to select. 2. My neutral light stayed on all day before the cable went. Don't know if these are typical signs, but I'll be checking that cable if they happen again! Cheers all.

ALEX,THE REASON THE CABLE FAILS IS BECAUSE THE CLUTCH PUSHROD ADJUSTMENT IS INCORRECT.SLACKEN ALL CABLE ADJUSTMENT REMOVE INSPECTION COVER,SLACKEN 10mm NUT,SCREW CENTRE SCREW IN UNTILL RESISTANCE IS FELT, BACK-OFF 1/4 TURN,HOLD IN THIS POSITION AND LOCK THE NUT.RE-ADJUST CABLE TO GIVE 1/8" PLAY IN LEVER.

GOOD LUCK

YORKIE