I notice after driving my 4runner (3vze) a couple of times yesterday it was getting increasingly hard to accelerate, as in, I would press the gas pedal it felt like somebody put a block of wood behind the pedal. So I popped the hood and toggled a bit, started to unmount the cables, and realized my auto speed cable is stiff and will only extend with a good amount of pressure and wont go back very easily once it does.

I've seen two questions on actually lubing them. One saying you can't and the other went unanswered so I'm asking if its possible and how to lube an auto speed cable?

Is it as simple as getting the proper lube and spraying it down the rubber sleeve?

As always thanks in advance.

 

You can try, but using a cable oiler makes it a lot easier. Like this one:
You can also find them locally at most bicycle shops or motorcycle shops. Here's video on how to use one, if you need it. Shows the "shade-tree" way to do it first, then using the cable oiler, time mark on video 1:52.

 

I would replace. I would never risk it. Have you ever had a throttle stick open on you? When looking for a new part. the one for the throttle is called an accelerator cable. If you say throttle, they will not find it. If it is for the auto trans, you will need a throttle valve cable, or kickdown cable. Could be called either one.