Speedometer needle acting weird

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Oct 20, 2008 | 10:12 AM

WhiteBroncoII2WD

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Joined: Apr 2006

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Speedometer needle acting weird

So here’s the story; I’ve just replaced the speedometer cable in our 1989 Bronco II, when
I reinstalled the engine I forgot to position the cable away from the headers and it melted. Everything worked fine before, but now since I’ve replaced the cable the speedometer needle wiggles going from 0 to 25MPH. Could it be that maybe I didn’t lube the core enough?

Oct 22, 2008 | 06:56 PM

plilikoi

Mountain Pass

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 215

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From: San Diego

Mine wiggles like yours but mine is the original cable. I've lubed the heck out of it with no joy. It works smoothly for a few days after I've lubed it and then goes crazy again.

Oct 23, 2008 | 07:24 AM

WhiteBroncoII2WD

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Quote:

Originally Posted by plilikoi

Mine wiggles like yours but mine is the original cable. I've lubed the heck out of it with no joy. It works smoothly for a few days after I've lubed it and then goes crazy again.

I was able to solve my wiggling problem by swaping out for another cable and taking care to ensure there were no kinks in the cable once installed.

Oct 24, 2008 | 11:20 AM

rebocardo

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Joined: Jun 2002

Posts: 13,873

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From: Atlanta GA

Many times the cable is not plugged in correctly at the back of the speedometer. The plastic breaks, but, the cable wraps holds it together. Once it gets wound enough, you have steady movement. Replacing the cable and making sure you do not kink it usually solves the bouncing needle problem.

I usually use blue hi-temp wheel grease if the Ford speedometer lube is not handy. You can buy an adapter at NAPA for Ford cables if you want to over grease the cable.