speedometer bounces under 45mph
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Senior User
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speedometer bounces under 45mph
I used a differnt cluster in my truck and the speedometer now bounces under 45 mph but above that it is steady. Any ideas what needs fixed? I used the original cable that was in my truck.
Elder User
Joined: May 2005
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From: Graves County, KY
Usually it means the cable is binding and just needs to be lubed. Did it not do this before the swap? Check to see if the cable is cocked or bent at any wierd angles, that might make it drag on the sheilding.
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From: Graves County, KY
I just squirted a generous amount of PB Blaster down into the cable and it stopped after a couple of days. Didn't work immediately, guess it had to soak down the length of the cable. It still bounces very little if I'm crawling around slow. no more than 2mph or so on the dial.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Nebraska
I've actually had more trouble with the bushing in the speedometer itself wearing out than the cable. When it goes out the speedo will bounce over and a lot of times read high. Try swapping in your old cluster or another known good one to rule out the cable.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
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Dirt inside the speedo housing can also cause this problem. Like brown said above the bushing can cause this problem and so can the cable. A worn cable can also cause the problem as well as a lack of lube which will lead to a worn cable. Replacement is often required.
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I had a look inside my speedo but didn't take it apart other than removing it out of the cluster housing. I lubed my cable with white lithium grease spray (only thing I could find locally) and though it helped the needle now bounces at all speeds. Before it wouldn't register speed until after 25 mph or so and was then bouncy. Where is the bushing at? is it where the cable enters the speedo? Is there anything more I can clean, lube or replace to get this speedo to work smoothly?
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It's inside the speedo head.
You have to remove it.... to clean it.
PB blaster is a penetrating fluid...it's for loosening up things not for Lubricating them.
One needs to remove the cable completely from the covering and lubricate the whole cable with speedo cable grease then re-insert it in the covering and re-install it........ to restore it properly
You have to remove it.... to clean it.
PB blaster is a penetrating fluid...it's for loosening up things not for Lubricating them.
One needs to remove the cable completely from the covering and lubricate the whole cable with speedo cable grease then re-insert it in the covering and re-install it........ to restore it properly
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O.k. I'll have a look around for speedo grease and lube the cable again when I get back into the speedometer. I need to remember to get some orange paint for the needles while I'm in there. My cluster housing is getting very brittle but I just priced new ones and may have to live with it for a while. Thanks Dennis.
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I have two clusters from other trucks but I havn't checked to see what kind of shape they are in. I also saw them at Bronco Graveyard's site for $100 less than where I first priced them.
Does a speedo gear with more teeth turn the cable faster or slower than one with fewer teeth?
Does a speedo gear with more teeth turn the cable faster or slower than one with fewer teeth?
Posting Legend
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A speedo cable gear with more teeth will turn the speedo slower.
An entire instrument cluster goes for $10-$20 at the salvage yards I deal with. Usually you have to buy the entire cluster, they do not sell parts. Clusters are also available for the same price on eBay but you will get hit with shipping.
An entire instrument cluster goes for $10-$20 at the salvage yards I deal with. Usually you have to buy the entire cluster, they do not sell parts. Clusters are also available for the same price on eBay but you will get hit with shipping.
Last edited by Torque1st; Aug 30, 2006 at 03:27 PM.
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The orange paint you require can be found in the *Testors Model Paint* section at a hobby store.
Maybe check the classifieds for cluster backs as some FTE 'ers have ad's in there for parts at low prices.
Maybe check the classifieds for cluster backs as some FTE 'ers have ad's in there for parts at low prices.
Last edited by Torque1st; Aug 30, 2006 at 03:55 PM.
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