Speedometer Noise
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 209
Likes: 0
From: Texarkana, Arkansas
I would do this as soon as is possible. You can damage the delicate spring movement inside the speedo real easy. If lubing the cable does not stop the dancing of the needle hit the junk yards as I had to do. 
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 559
Likes: 0
From: In Hastings Delton area
Unhook from instrument panel push in one side clip to release from speedo head speedo cable will not pull out from unhooking at the trans or transfer case
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Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,984
Likes: 2,738
From: Virginia
I bet you are correct, it has a little shoulder on it up there doesn't it? Last time I pulled one I did pull it from the cluster.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,844
Likes: 129
From: Atlantic Canada
I have my cluster out to install a tach and paint my needles, etc. The speedometer has been making a noise while driving. The needle itself operates nice and smooth and has not been jumping like other reports I've seen on here. Spinning the speedo drive by hand and it seems smooth...
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 22,415
Likes: 92
From: Denver Metro Area, CO
The parts that need lubrication are those where friction occurs, this has always been between the cable itself and its sheath in the ones I've seen.
I remove that center cable from its sheath and coat the entire thing in grease before reinstalling it in the sheath.
I have never seen a noisy speedometer head itself but I suppose they can be damaged pretty easily and become noisy (perhaps by somebody trying to alter the displayed mileage) as they're fairly delicate instruments.
I remove that center cable from its sheath and coat the entire thing in grease before reinstalling it in the sheath.
I have never seen a noisy speedometer head itself but I suppose they can be damaged pretty easily and become noisy (perhaps by somebody trying to alter the displayed mileage) as they're fairly delicate instruments.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,831
Likes: 121
From: St Albert, Alberta
The correct stuff to use on speedometer cables is graphite oil/lube spray. You do not need to remove the cable from the sheath unless corrosion is suspected. Pull the gauge cluster remove the cable by depressing the plastic tab on the speedo head and pull it free from the back of the gauge cluster. Then dribble the graphite oil down the inside of the sheath, use about 1/2 oz.
The graphite in the lube will stay in place and keep the cable lubricated. This is what was used from the factory and what is recommended for all speedo and tach cables..
The graphite in the lube will stay in place and keep the cable lubricated. This is what was used from the factory and what is recommended for all speedo and tach cables..
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,844
Likes: 129
From: Atlantic Canada
The correct stuff to use on speedometer cables is graphite oil/lube spray. You do not need to remove the cable from the sheath unless corrosion is suspected. Pull the gauge cluster remove the cable by depressing the plastic tab on the speedo head and pull it free from the back of the gauge cluster. Then dribble the graphite oil down the inside of the sheath, use about 1/2 oz.
The graphite in the lube will stay in place and keep the cable lubricated. This is what was used from the factory and what is recommended for all speedo and tach cables..
The graphite in the lube will stay in place and keep the cable lubricated. This is what was used from the factory and what is recommended for all speedo and tach cables..
.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,844
Likes: 129
From: Atlantic Canada
Oh...I should have asked. Can I pull the cable out from the dash end and put it back without any issues? Or should it also be disconnected on the transmission end as well?
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,984
Likes: 2,738
From: Virginia
I have done that a couple of times. Sometimes the cable won't want to go back into the gear in the trans and you have to mess with it a little bit. Worst case would be taking the end off the trans and getting it back in that way. But I have never had to do that.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,844
Likes: 129
From: Atlantic Canada
I pulled it out about 3" and sprayed some graphite in there. Can't tell how well it is working...I didn't realize how tight the cable is inside the sheathing. I either have to pull the cable completely out, or just try it as is and see how it works. Wouldn't take much to quiet it down...it really wasn't that bad.