I've not been far enough into the roof to help you with the mechanics of the cables, but the lube for them is white lithium and a very small amount. As with most lubrication procedures, what you can reach to wipe off isn't needed.

I was able to remove the cables very easily by simply disconnecting them and then holding them while I put the sunroof cable to the open position, then when they stopped I just pulled the old ones out, problem is, I can't get the new ones to line back up or work properly. One of them is way longer than the other, and one of the new ones was about 5 inchs longer so I cut them to the same size as the originals(didnt see the harm if it previously worked at that length) to see if that would help, it did a bit but I still cant get them on track. They are already starting to get bent out of shape from trying(and it took 2 weeks to get the damn things) so I need any advice you guys might have. I took the headliner and out so I could get a closer look, and there are two black tubes where it appears the excess of the cable comes through, a bit lost atm..