Hood Release Cable

[Lew]

Having trouble installing hood release cable (1971 280sl).  I have broken 2 replacement cables at the interior handle.  I have greased the latch mounted on the firewall, lubricated the cable with graphite, and still cannot get a smooth operating system.  I have researched and aware there are 2 cable clips, one close to the brake booster, and the other just below the heater hose. Also, there is a rubber sleeve about 12 inches long, and wonder what purpose it serves. Will appreciate any suggestions anyone can give me.

[ja17]

This is not usually an area with problems. Make sure that the wire of the cable, travels inside the slot in the handle. I believe that the wire is off-set to one side of the cylindrical end piece, so if you install it incorrectly the wire will be bent and not be able to rotate in the slot. Eventually the bending causes the steel wire to fatigue and break. Most likely the rubber sleeve is to protect the inner cable from moisture.

[Leester]

I experienced a similar issue with a non MB cable. Supposedly the company makes the cables for MB but I couldn't get the cable to operate smoothly. Reinstalled the old, original MB cable, operates smooth as silk. Lee 

[Lew]

Thanks for the responses.  I followed Joe's advice and made sure the cable was in the groove. The cable worked smoothly for a short while, and then the cable bent close to the "bead head".  The replacement cables I used were reproductions.  So, now I installed a MB cable (as Lee suggested) to see if an OEM part will do the trick. Also ordered a new Hood Release Handle as well.  There appears to be a great difference between OEM and repros, at least in this case!