Decklid release cable -- should I replace it?

[Jrboulder]

Well I'm still very new to the 911/912 but on the 944 a broken hood release cable is a serious PITA. My release handle is really stiff so I'm going to try lube the latch up but I'm wondering should I replace the cable with an OEM unit?

It seems pretty simple to do and only costs $10...

[McLovin]

Not sure how it works on a 944 (although I assume it's well set up), but on a 911, the decklid release cable tension actually holds the lid shut. In other words, if the cable breaks, the latch should default to open.

[Jrboulder]

Thanks, McLovin

Well that's handy. It's nice to have a car where stuff is actually well thought out.

I'll take it out of the car and see if it's frayed tonight. If it looks good I'll just clean it and keep it.

[Dkennel]

My cable broke off not too long ago, you can open the rear lid if the cable breaks. Replacement was pretty easy, I think I would just put a new cable in at a convenient time as preventive maintenance. Saves you the headache of having to deal with it when it breaks....

[jkevinc]

If recently worked on the rear deck lid linkage and decided to refresh the original wire since I read on the Pelican parts review that the new OEM cable's wire is no longer plastic coated (as the original one is on my 89 911).

There was a good amount of rust at the handle on the cable connect, which I sanded down and lubed, along with the entire length, with Pure Fluorinated PFPAE Grease from Finish Line. I do like the idea of the plastic coating on the linkage wire, and more so liked that there was only rust/corrosion where there was no coating. You may want to consider keeping the original cable if it is coated, and the new OEM is not.

Regards.