How to Replace Winch Cables

Replace the winch line on your winch if it is damaged or frayed.

Winch cables are available in steel and synthetic materials. Both types of cable have benefits, but when it comes to replacing your winch cable, you will need to look at several factors. Yo need to evaluate durability, weight and strength before you select that new cable. If you are not sure what type of cable you need, visit a four-wheel drive store or auto parts store and talk with the associates there. They can help you choose one that will meet your needs.

Things You'll Need

• Wrench set

Instructions

1. Locate the clutch on your winch. It is on the top or side of the winch motor and is marked forward, reverse and neutral on most models. Remove the old cable from the drum of your winch after shifting the clutch into neutral and then pull the cable off the drum.

2. Locate the bolt that retains the end of the cable to the winch drum. Remove the bolt, turning it counterclockwise with a wrench until it comes out of the drum. Separate the retaining bolt from the winch cable and set the bolt aside. Discard the old cable.

3. Lay out the new cable on the ground in front of the vehicle on which your winch is mounted. Slide the end with the eyelet in through the fair lead on the front of the winch. The fair lead is the guide on the winch. Some have rollers and some don't, but never use a roller fair lead with a synthetic winch line or you will damage the line.

4. Insert the cable-retaining bolt through the eyelet on the end of the cable and thread it into the hole in the winch drum. Drag the winch line out and attach it to a tree or other solid object. Shift the winch into gear and place the vehicle in neutral.

5. Spool the winch in, slowly dragging the vehicle forward. The weight of the vehicle will help keep the line tight as you spool it onto the drum. Work the cable onto the drum, keeping it tight to the drum and close to the cable next to it.

6. Continue winding or spooling the cable onto the drum, adding layers until all the line is on the winch.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your hands away from the fairlead as you spool in the cable. The moving line can grab loose clothing or hands and drag them into the fairlead.

References

• 4x4 Wire: Winch Line Replacement
• Warn: Winch User's Manual