Speedometer cable noise.
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,479
Likes: 332
From: Bakersfield, CA
Speedometer cable noise.
There is a terrible, and sometimes somewhat loud(and incredibly annoying) sound coming from the speedometer cable. When I drive I can feel it vibrating if I put my hand on the cable just as it goes into the cluster.
Both times I've driven it the last two days, it has gotten much quieter after driving for a while, but just a couple hours ago I went to take it around the neighborhood for a friend and it was as loud as it started yesterday the entire time, and never got better.
I also know it's the cable because when it starts and gets louder, the speed needle gets incredibly wavy and inaccurate. Whereas when the noise quiets down or stops completely(typically at lower speeds), it gets much more stable and accurate.
I have heard that speedometer cables need grease, and can actually be re-lubed when they get wavy, which is a sign of age and dryness.........can I do that with this thing? How? I have a grease gun for grease zerks, will that help me out?
Both times I've driven it the last two days, it has gotten much quieter after driving for a while, but just a couple hours ago I went to take it around the neighborhood for a friend and it was as loud as it started yesterday the entire time, and never got better.
I also know it's the cable because when it starts and gets louder, the speed needle gets incredibly wavy and inaccurate. Whereas when the noise quiets down or stops completely(typically at lower speeds), it gets much more stable and accurate.
I have heard that speedometer cables need grease, and can actually be re-lubed when they get wavy, which is a sign of age and dryness.........can I do that with this thing? How? I have a grease gun for grease zerks, will that help me out?
See A Man About A Horse
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,897
Likes: 651
From: Mariposa, Ca.
The cable core may need replacing,which is easy.I had to replace my entire core/outer housing,as the cable broke,and I couldn't remove one of the broken pieces.Do you have the factory manual?You would not want to use chasiss grease.Remove the entire cable assembly by disconnecting it at the back of the speedo,and at the transmission.Remove from truck ,lay it out flat,pull out the core if possible,examine,and if not frayed or damaged,clean and degrease it.Degrease cable housing,by spraying plenty of carb cleaner into it,till it runs clear.Run the core through it,to assure removal of dried grease and dirt,Repeat as necessary,untill everything is clean.Finish up by lightly lubing the core with a white lithium grease,re-insert into housing,re-install on truck.That's how I did mine.
Edit note:Some people use graphite lubricant,instead of white lithium grease.
Edit note:Some people use graphite lubricant,instead of white lithium grease.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,002
Likes: 0
From: victoria
what do you need a speedo for ?? if traffic is getting away your going to slow if your passsing them..your speeding(not likely with our trucks!!)you can try replaceing the core it's about 18 buck from N P D....page 132..
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,479
Likes: 332
From: Bakersfield, CA
The shop manual? Yes.
Where would I get that part? EDIT, thanks for the whereabouts ken!
So there's no regreasing or anything? Nuts! I just want the sound to go away more than anything....but having a speedometer would be nice too.
Where would I get that part? EDIT, thanks for the whereabouts ken!
So there's no regreasing or anything? Nuts! I just want the sound to go away more than anything....but having a speedometer would be nice too.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 25,310
Likes: 5,348
From: Central PA
Also, you should put a drop or 2 of oil in the back of the speedo. There is a weep hole there for that. The shop manual should tell you about that.They say it should be light oil like sewing machine oil. My speedo made the same noise and the needle jumped around. When I had my speedo out the weep hole was full of dirt and grime and years of hay chaff. I cleaned mine out by shooting WD-40 in it and using a Q-tip and a toothpick. I did not have to do anything to the cable. good luck.
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,479
Likes: 332
From: Bakersfield, CA
Is the sound I'm hearing even a possibility that it is the speedometer cable?
EDIT: OK, that's the first thing I'll do tomorrow! Unfortunately I'll be doing it with the whole thing in the truck....
EDIT: OK, that's the first thing I'll do tomorrow! Unfortunately I'll be doing it with the whole thing in the truck....
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Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,669
Likes: 13
From: San Jose, CA
I had the same thing happen in my 52 when I first bought it. Eventually the noise went away. However, just recently after resurrecting the truck and driving it for a few trips, the speedo stopped working. I disconnected the cable and inspected it. That's when I found that the cable broke at the transmission connection.
Luckily, I had an cable that "Julie" gave me a year ago from "her" truck. I sprayed some carb cleaner inside the cable while holding the cable allowing the gravity to pull the fluid down and drain from the bottom. I then took household lubricant, similar to the 3n1 or Liquid Wrench brands, and poured inside the cable until it flowed out from the bottom. I let the cable hang for a few minutes and then re-installed it. The cable squealed quietly for a short distance and then the noise disappeared.
By the way, the speedo can also be oiled.
Luckily, I had an cable that "Julie" gave me a year ago from "her" truck. I sprayed some carb cleaner inside the cable while holding the cable allowing the gravity to pull the fluid down and drain from the bottom. I then took household lubricant, similar to the 3n1 or Liquid Wrench brands, and poured inside the cable until it flowed out from the bottom. I let the cable hang for a few minutes and then re-installed it. The cable squealed quietly for a short distance and then the noise disappeared.
By the way, the speedo can also be oiled.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,373
Likes: 6
From: Moore (or less), OK.
Yes, you can re-grease the cable. See post number 2 for the directions on how to do it. It's not that difficult to remove the cable and re-lube it.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,373
Likes: 6
From: Moore (or less), OK.
There or a lock supply store, auto parts store, department store, Walmart, etc...
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 366
Likes: 3
To add to all the good tips you have received, be sure that the cable is not too close to the exhaust. Heat will bake the lubricant. I had a simular problem and replaced the cable and sheath for around $21.00 and the problem went away. Good luck.
Thread Starter
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,479
Likes: 332
From: Bakersfield, CA
Removed the cable and cleaned it, then I oiled the hell out of it. For all intents and purposed, it's perfect now. No noise and is much more stable, not perfectly still, but it's better than before. I know the oil is a temporary solution so I'll go back with white lithium grease later.
I couldn't find the graphite stuff at lowes, maybe I'll try home depot later.
Thanks everyone for helping me out!
I couldn't find the graphite stuff at lowes, maybe I'll try home depot later.
Thanks everyone for helping me out!
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,373
Likes: 6
From: Moore (or less), OK.
I had that problem with a transmissioin shift cable. B&M shifter. The muffler guy that did my exhaust cut the tie wrap holding the cable off the pipe so he could get to some bolts and didn't replace it. It only took a few hundred miles before it was very hard to shift.