[maximum15]

Grease the derailer cables or not? I have seen references both ways, some saying no grease required and others saying to grease them.

 

[cxwrench]

Grease the derailer cables or not? I have seen references both ways, some saying no grease required and others saying to grease them.

I don't ever lube new cables/housing. All it does is cause dirt and grit to stick to the cable and then get pulled into the housing.

 

[brucew]

The SP41 housing and accompanying PTFE cables require no additional lubrication.

I install mine "dry" and get thousands and thousands of trouble-free miles out of them.

 

[Jay Strongbow]

I don't ever lube new cables/housing. All it does is cause dirt and grit to stick to the cable and then get pulled into the housing.

yup, I does more harm that good in my experience.
The only exception for me is I lube a certain part of the cable inside the shifter. Not to improve shifting but I've had a few cables fray badly under the shifter hoods and my thinking is no crud will get in there and it'll reduce the friction and at least delay any fraying. I don't know if it helps or not but I doesn't hurt like lubing in exposed areas so I figure why not.

 

[looigi]

FWIW: And not commenting on its performance/utility, but Shimano sells "Special Grease SP41" for cables. Perhaps it's good, or perhaps it's just something cooked up by Shimano marketing to separate the gullible consumer from his cash? The truth likely lies somewhere between those two extremes.

"The unique low friction formula is specifically designed to lubricate SIS shift cables and housings for trouble free performance in all weather conditions. 50g. jar."

Pricy: Shimano Special Grease SP41 SIS Cable Grease - Excel Sports

 

[reptilezs]

sp41 housing is pre greased

 

[MikeWMass]

sp41 housing is pre greased

^This^ You have to look to be sure you cut off the correct end when fitting it.

 

[maximum15]

That is what I thought (pre-lubed), thanks for confirming. They are on now, with only whatever grease shimano decided to put on them before shipping them.