Stiff heater control lever to air distribution box.

[silver surfer]

I am in the process of replacing the broken heater control levers on my 280SL and have an issue with the air distribution box control lever. The flaps in the box open and shut but the cable is quite stiff and I don't want to force the new lever. I have tried lubricating the cable with no improvement. I presume I will need to remove the complete air distribution box to replace the cable but just wanted to get best advice from the wise?

Many thanks 

[Bonnyboy]

My cables were seized so I hooked up a cable oiler (like for a motorcycle) and put a penetrating oil in there and over a two week period I was able to move the cable again.  I kept the oiler installed and would just give it a shot every couple days and try to yank on the cable. 

Good luck.

[dpreston Virginia]

Remove all controls so you can get to the cable ends easily.
I sprayed PB Blaster into a jar. Used a large syringe to suck up the PB Blaster fluid.
Used the syringe to inject the fluid into the cables from both sides.
With a little time and effort they work great now. Added a thin lubricant before I put controls back together.

[Benz Dr.]

Those cables can get bent easily and that will also make them bind. Sometimes the best thing to do is simply replace the cable. Leave the outer sheath in place and just remove the cable then measure the length and go from there.   

[silver surfer]

Ok thanks fellas.
Cable oiler on order!