Speedometer Jumping??
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From: Ridgeway, Virginia
Speedometer Jumping??
My 65 has the sweep style speedometer. It does a fine job up to about 60mph. Then the needle starts kind of floating all over the place up to being pegged at times. In a way its good because it sure gives me a warning if I'm more than five over the highway speed limit. That keeps the Fuzz of my tail.
Still I would like to know if anyone is familliar with this problem and possible solutions.
I know it is bad to lube speedometer heads with oil of any kind because in cold weather the oil can thicken and cause troubles. What is the recomended lube? Graphite maybe?
Still I would like to know if anyone is familliar with this problem and possible solutions.
I know it is bad to lube speedometer heads with oil of any kind because in cold weather the oil can thicken and cause troubles. What is the recomended lube? Graphite maybe?
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From: Napa
In the one instance I've seen like yours the speedo cable was loose. Pull the dash cluster and make sure the cable is tight. Then check it at the other end.
That's not to say it could be something else entirely...but I've only seen this once on a friends truck.
That's not to say it could be something else entirely...but I've only seen this once on a friends truck.
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 289
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From: Raleigh, NC
Although the white lithium will work the graphite based lube will do better and is intended for speedo cable applications. Remember that this is a mechanical gear to gear connection and if you have marginal contact due to worn gears then at higher speeds the transmission fluid / lube may be causing the gears to float at higher RPMs. When you pull the cable from it's sheath, carefully inspect it for kinks or damage, inspect the driven gear (that comes out of the transmission) for worn or missing teeth, clean thouroughly with a solvent based cleaner, lube and reassemble. I also recommend a test with the driven gear out of the transmission with a corded drill (my cordless Makita wasn't any faster than 55 MPH) to test the cable and speedo head. Good luck,
Steve
Steve
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From: Ridgeway, Virginia
I bet a dremmel tool would be ideal for the test jig. They have way more RPM capability than a drill. I think I will stick with the dry lube. That white lithium will probably turn into chewing gum at 15 degrees. I have heard of speedo cables snapping in the Winter weather due to excessive resistance at the head caused by thick, oily, lubrication.
Thanks for the feedback everyone!
Thanks for the feedback everyone!
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Joined: Sep 2001
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Use the specialized graphite speedo cable lube.
A worn bushing in the speedo head can cause the speedometer to "float" because the clearances are not right in the magnetic coupling that is used. Have the head checked at a speedometer shop.
Usually a "flutter" is caused by a sticking or worn out speedometer cable. Sometimes accompanied by a clicking, rattling, howling, or squealing.
A worn bushing in the speedo head can cause the speedometer to "float" because the clearances are not right in the magnetic coupling that is used. Have the head checked at a speedometer shop.
Usually a "flutter" is caused by a sticking or worn out speedometer cable. Sometimes accompanied by a clicking, rattling, howling, or squealing.
Last edited by Torque1st; Jun 22, 2005 at 12:27 AM.
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From: Ridgeway, Virginia
No clicking, howling, rattling, squealing, or any other noises. The needle just kind of bumbles between 60 and top speed. I havent tried anything so far. I wanted to get some opinions before I did. I think I will apply graphite and see what happens.
Oh, it must be nice to live somewhere where there is enough going on to warrant a speedometer shop. Around here you are lucky to find a decent auto repair shop. Its uncanny to me to think someone could make a living from the repair needs of speedometers.
Thanks for the advice friends! I'll get back when I have some results..
Oh, it must be nice to live somewhere where there is enough going on to warrant a speedometer shop. Around here you are lucky to find a decent auto repair shop. Its uncanny to me to think someone could make a living from the repair needs of speedometers.
Thanks for the advice friends! I'll get back when I have some results..
Last edited by GregTruck; Jun 22, 2005 at 11:58 PM. Reason: Cause I Want TO
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From: Colville, Washington
Originally Posted by GregTruck
.
Oh, it must be nice to live somewhere where there is enough going on to warrant a speedometer shop. Around here you are lucky to find a decent auto repair shop. Its uncanny to me to think someone could make a living from the repair needs of speedometers.
Oh, it must be nice to live somewhere where there is enough going on to warrant a speedometer shop. Around here you are lucky to find a decent auto repair shop. Its uncanny to me to think someone could make a living from the repair needs of speedometers.
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"The needle just kind of bumbles between 60 and top speed." -That is what is called "float". Usually the worn bushing but it can also be caused by some steel particles that have entered the speedo head. You have to keep the internal parts very clean.
If you don't have a speedo shop a replacement unit will be needed. Even if you had a speedo shop they might not be able to fix it. They might be back to getting a replacement unit also. You can also get aftermarket units but they would not look stock. The post office and UPS deliver to your nearest speedo shop also.
It is nice living in KC, I can get just about anything here.
If you don't have a speedo shop a replacement unit will be needed. Even if you had a speedo shop they might not be able to fix it. They might be back to getting a replacement unit also. You can also get aftermarket units but they would not look stock. The post office and UPS deliver to your nearest speedo shop also.
It is nice living in KC, I can get just about anything here.
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