How do I repair a broken steel cable?

depends on if you have room for a couple of these.

Buy them at a bike shop, or good hardware store, they are wire cable clamps.

place one clamp on each end of the frayed cable (neaten up the ends and shorten them just a little bit.) then splice in a short section of NEW cable to preserve the original length between the clamps. Do it carefully, get it good and tight when you squeeze the clamp, and you'll be fine.

We do it fairly regularly on a couple pieces of machinery we have, the clamps stand up to 1500 lbs of dead weight without a problem.

D
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I bet I know what cable you're talking about. Just had mine replaced on both sides. In fact, the car is still at LFSC in Il. I'm hoping to get it back early this week.

 

You need a fence wire connector to attempt repair.
http://www.kencove.com/fence/Connectors_products.php

What Dave shows is a crimp sleeve. If you can get the right size, a quik splice will be a clearer solution. Either will work. The crimp sleeve requires a crimping tool.

 

Unless the car is a piece of crap and you'll be junking it next week, replace the cable.

If the cable broke, what makes you think a splice will last?

 

While I agree that replacement is the better option, I can tell you that we use these splices on heavy duty lift tables without incident. They're lifting pallets of paperboard that can weigh in excess of 1000 lbs and hold up very well.

d

 

Just a thought..The suggested repair looks to be the perfect solution..If the repair is to be done in situ..drive to your friendly hardware store or boating supply store..they will no doubt have the tool for the job since this is a common request..I'll just bet that they'll be way to happy to let you use it on your Ferrari..it's probably as close as the clerk will get to one..just a thought...Jacques.

 

A little under 1K.

 

Nicopress tool
http://www.nicopress.com/T1.htm
They are very strong and reliable IF done correctly. Try a boat repair shop.
But have you tried using the broken ends to fish a new cable in?
You can put in a short piece of new wire rope, but then you're making 2 splices. Is there clearance for the splices to pass when moving? If your repair makes the cable shorter than originally, is there adjustment for that?

 

Why did it break originally?

What car are we discussing here? Pictures?

 

+1 or a really good fishing shop. Lots of options on cable, crimps and tools. (think leaders and downrigger)

Rick

 

Mine just got back from the dealer. The top is now perfect. This has been something I've been trying to chase down for years. Several years ago, the dealer even took the top apart and never found the broken cable. This time they took apart the good side and saw THAT one fraying. Then they realized that the same part was missing from the side I was complaining about. Turns out is was broken in two and hanging out of sight.

Pictures, sure. This is one of the sides. The dealer was kind enough to include the packaging from the new part.
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Looks to be part #9 in the drawing (of which there are 2). With a break that close to the end I don't see how a splice is practical or even possible.

The length of the cable looks pretty critical. I don't think you can get away with shortening it.
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Yes, I am doubtful a splice will work for the OP if this is the same issue. The experts tell me that these cables endure a hull'uv'a'lot of tension when the top is activated.



P.S. Could it be #8?

 

Actaully the break near the end could be repaired with only one splice and a new end.

 

Thanks, that is just what I was looking for.