Speedometer bouncing
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New User
Joined: Jun 2010
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Speedometer bouncing
The speedometer on my girls 79 F150 bounces around after about 65 mph making it hard to tell fast she going or what the cruise will be set at. Any ideas? It a 79 supercab with 400/C6 2wd ranger xlt
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 173
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From: British Columbia, Canada
I've had the same problem. maybe not the same fix though. I took the instrument cluster out of the truck, spray penetrating fluid (WD-40, Liquid Wrench) down the speedo cable and drive for a bit. This fixed mine. Try it a couple times and if it doesn't help then the cable might be stretched or something, requiring a new one. Hopefully this helps
Believe Nothing
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,516
Likes: 401
From: W. Central FL.
As suggested above, try lubricating the speedometer cable. You might save it. You probably notice the unwanted "bouncing" when the weather is cold. It was common years ago to purchase special lub in a small tube.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 796
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I took my cluster out once to replace some bulbs and clean it up a little. When I put it back the speedo didn't quite work right. It would go up and fall, up and fall. I apparently didn't have the cable seated right.
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,196
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I'd suspect the cable needs greasing as well. Beyond that, the cable could be damaged, or the drive or driven speedo gear could be on its way out.
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2008
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Mine does that intermittently. It'll go away for no apparent reason and then come back again. I just look at where the middle of the "bounce" is and figure that's my speed. 
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 213
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From: Medicine Hat Alberta
With the cruise option, there are two seperate cables tied together at the speed sensor on or by the drivers inner fender. You can access both from there and use lithium grease to shoot down inside the cable... saves taking the dash apart or pulling the driven gear off the tranny. You may end up having to replace, but may work.... Not sure were you live, but the cable will give a lot better if you're in warmer climate...
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New User
Joined: Jun 2010
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I wondered about that. I had noticed the speed control sensor and that it was 2 piece cable, but the auto parts websites are ony showing one length for her truck. Now I just need a chance to check it out, a high school girl in love with her old Ford are hard to seperate.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
Take the cable apart and clean and grease it thats what i do. The connector towards the speedometer pulls right off and the cable comes out clean the tube with brake clean and use a Ford approved moly fortified grease.
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