It depends on type/brand. But if its the original cable you're better off replacing as it's usually more a mechanical wear issue than a lube issue. And usually any attempt at simply re-lubing only results in a temporary relief or causes the situation to get worse especially if a incompatible lube is used. In my experience, even on vernier cables that can be disassembled, once the internal liner or cable(s) wear, it's very difficult to salvage those as well.
Back in the '50s & '60s many high performance planes seem to use the same style controls for throttle, prop & mixture - very plain looking. I will post a picture or two later. Now everything I find has a "new and improved" style which is not really bad at all - I just like to preserve the classic look. I like vanilla ice cream too. No question McFarlane is a first class supplier and I may try their "vernier-assist" model control as a replacement.
FYI: make sure the cable knobs installed are the correct ones. Some, not all, GA aircraft are required to have different shaped knobs for all three. There was a thread here on this topic with references. And while Mcfarlane can make custom cables, I seem to recall in some cases the custom cables do not come with a PMA tag.
Rare in aviation. Especially if you want to fly safely.
FYI: MM has toulene in it and can dissolve/swell some rubber and plastics. Since most current top-shelf replacement cables use teflon liners it would be best to follow their ICAs or buy Mcfarlane which has a lifetime lubricant.
Don't know which cables you are comparing but the Mcfarlane custom/RV cables list for about the same price as the comparable AS cable. For example, the McF RV mixture cable is $199 and the AS RV mixture is $190. And in my experience, the Mcfarlane cables are top shelf.
