Yes you can just cut the braided wire. but look at the bend in the wire when installed. Remember when you solder the new wire that joint will be stiff and not very bendable. So locate the solder joint at an appropriate position.

Oiling the motor means oiling the bearings, not the brushes. The bearings are located at the top and the bottom of the armature. Look at the shaft and you will see them.

Dave

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1970 220D, owned 1980-1990
1980 240D, owned 1990-1992
1982 300TD, owned 1992-1993
1986 300SDL, owned 1993-2004
1999 E300, owned 1999-2003
1982 300TD, 213,880mi, owned since Nov 18, 1991- Aug 4, 2010 SOLD
1988 560SL, 100,000mi, owned since 1995
1965 Mustang Fastback Mileage Unknown(My sons)
1983 240D, 176,000mi (My daughers) owned since 2004
2007 Honda Accord EX-L I4 auto, the new daily driver
1985 300D 264,000mi Son's new daily driver.(sold)
2008 Hyundai Tiberon. Daughters new car