BAL slide out cable replacement

[jim1]

Hi, I was just wondering if any one has had a broken slide cable and replaced it them selves? I have a broken top cable on my kitchen slide, it broke on the outside slide wall right at the end of the cable stud. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, our local RV shops are criminals!

[chuckster57]

If you buy the cable replacement kit it will have detailed instructions on replacement. I have done plenty in the shop, it’s not difficult, however I used crimps and this tool. I got mine at Home Depot along with the sleeves. I don’t remember if the kit comes with sleeves.

https://www.amazon.com/IWISS-Crimpin...35479105&psc=1

[peanut]

Originally Posted by jim1

Hi, I was just wondering if any one has had a broken slide cable and replaced it them selves? I have a broken top cable on my kitchen slide, it broke on the outside slide wall right at the end of the cable stud. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, our local RV shops are criminals!

Several youtube videos out there. These two seem to detail it pretty well (from what I saw).
(disclaimer: I did not watch either video to the bitter end. if you see something you don't like, ignore the video and find something else)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=we0z3iVD9Uo

(by an mobile rv tech in the Seattle area)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQWBI0gnhpI

(by the manufacturer)

[Matty Rich]

I have had a few snap recently. I wasn’t so lucky and had to fish a new cable thru the entire pulley system and it was a nightmare.
As long as you still have the end of the cable available it’s fairly simple and the videos above show you how.

Instead of using the swagging (crimping) tool, I went with a hydraulic crimping tool from harbor freight. Much easy to use and does the same thing. I used the largest die that came with the kit.

https://www.harborfreight.com/hydrau...ool-64044.html

I also ordered extra Ferrule sleeves off Amazon. I put 2 of them on when replacing a cable now.

Reason being; I had a RV tech replace my first 2 cables that snapped and they didn’t do it right and the weak point was the ferrule sleeve. Slipped right thru the sleeve.

So now I repair them myself with 2 sleeves and the hydraulic tool. No issues.

https://a.co/d/1mlBgDv

[jxnbbl]

+1 on Matty Rich reply. When my cable broke I couldn't get a cable repair kit fast enough so fixed the existing. I now travel with extra cable and swaging parts in addition to the single repair kit.

[chuckster57]

I have that crimping tool, if you look at the die insets they are Hex, the swag tool is round. I don’t know if it makes a difference, I use the hydraulic one for battery cables and such.

[Matty Rich]

Originally Posted by chuckster57

I have that crimping tool, if you look at the die insets they are Hex, the swag tool is round. I don’t know if it makes a difference, I use the hydraulic one for battery cables and such.

Hey Chuck,
Doesn’t make a difference. I used both and actually like the hydraulic one better. Much easier to use. The swagging tool takes a ton of leverage to crimp some of the thicker sleeves. I’ll send a pic next time I have access to the cable. Works great with much less effort.

[chuckster57]

Thanks. I’ll keep it in mind, I’ll probably try the hydraulic one next cable I do.

[skids]

Originally Posted by Matty Rich

Instead of using the swagging (crimping) tool, I went with a hydraulic crimping tool from harbor freight. Much easy to use and does the same thing. I used the largest die that came with the kit.

https://www.harborfreight.com/hydrau...ool-64044.html

https://a.co/d/1mlBgDv

Matty, were the ferrules made of aluminum or steel? Also, do you need a Port-a-power hydraulic pump to power the tool?

[chuckster57]

The tool has its own reservoir, close the release valve and squeeze the handle. There are a number of different size does.

IIRC the ferrules we use are aluminum.

[dutchmensport]

Here's a discussion I got into on the Montana Owners Club forum site about broken cable slides. I posted several comments. Slide Cables are the same on all brands of campers, so the information is sound there too. Anyway: Click here so I don't have to repeat it all again.

[Matty Rich]

Originally Posted by dutchmensport

Here's a discussion I got into on the Montana Owners Club forum site about broken cable slides. I posted several comments. Slide Cables are the same on all brands of campers, so the information is sound there too. Anyway: Click here so I don't have to repeat it all again.

This is a good thread. Dutchmensport I like what you did to your fascia. Next time I have to do a cable repair I’ll probably do the same modification.

[Matty Rich]

Originally Posted by skids

Matty, were the ferrules made of aluminum or steel? Also, do you need a Port-a-power hydraulic pump to power the tool?

What chuckster said.

Note that I provided links for the tool and extra ferrules. The ferrules should be 3/16”.
The cable repair kits come with one. But I’ve decided to add an additional ferrule sleeve for extra strength.

[jim1]

Hey guys! Thanks for all the help and info. I got the cable from Amazon in 2 days and an extra one. Had everything removed and ready it only took 2 tries to get the new cable threaded into place and maybe 2hrs of cheap labor, mine. It worked out pretty good I had to raise the outside top bracket so the cable ran straight and I'll be keeping an eye on the adjustments and other cables. Thanks again great place to get help and laughs. Take care!

[MrEnto]

My replacement kit came with a Chinese finger torture thing that connected the old to new cable and I pulled the new cable with the old cable attached and it was a breeze. It had u bolts instead of crimp ferrels to finish it off.

[BtownTraveler]

The kit does not come with them.

[BtownTraveler]

You can download the manual for that Lippert.

[Mikelff]

One thing a tech friend showed me was often times with fraying or broken cables its that the cable brackets are not aligned/mounted level for the cables to travel straight and level. They need to travel in and out with no pinch points, bends, or any slight kinks when fully in or out. I had one cable break and another fraying because of that issue. He moved and realigned the cable brackets so that they are completely level and straight all the way in and out. That was three years ago and no problems since. I check for worn cables every time out, top and bottom, inside and out. Only takes a minute. If you can catch fraying cables before they break it makes the repair so much easier. I also travel with a spare cable just in case.

[Rdynbama]

Is there any recommendations on lubricant for the cables (wire rope)? When I ran a crane for a few years we had periodic maintenance that required lubricating the cables. Just wondering. Being in maintenance for over 40 years I guess I can’t help but feeling like if I can avoid a repair with a little preventive maintenance it would be worth it!

[chuckster57]

Originally Posted by BtownTraveler

You can download the manual for that Lippert.

Cable slides are BAL/NORCO not a part of Lippert.