Jumpy speedometer

[syfir]

My speedometer jumps around, especially while acclerating(usually +-5mph), while cruising it is almost unnoticeable. I searched the forums and several others have suggested pulling the cable out and lubing it with graphite. I'm planning on trying this, but it looks like I'm asking for trouble trying to reinstall the speedo cable without removing the instrument cluster. Is this easier than it looks? Also, do other people think the graphite will solve the problem?

[FB71]

I use white lithium grease. I don't like graphite, because it tends to clump and thicken after awhile, causing the same problem. You don't have to remove the IC. When reinstall the cable into the jacket, it will stop at the back of the speedo head. Just twist the cable with you fingers, and it should drop right in.

[ejp2fast]

actually, removing the speedometer cable is easier than you think. here are the steps:
1. At the transmission, disconnect the cable. At the firewall, pull that plug out and slide it down about 1 foot or so (so the cable can move as you pull the instrument cluster out)
2. There are 5 screws (3 top, 2 bottom) to take out the plastic bezel that surrounds the instrument cluster. you'll have to disconnect the rear wiper switch, and rear defroster if equipped.
3. Take the 4 screws out that holds the instrument cluster in place.
4. Now, as you pull the instrument cluster towards the steering wheel, go back under the hood to make sure that the cable is free to move and doesn't catch. I had to go back and forth to make sure...
5. When you have enough clearance to get your hands behind the instrument cluster, disconnect the speedometer cable, releasing the tab. Then, disconnect the 2 electrical connectors the same way.
6. Now, instead of pulling the whole cable out, you can go to transmission side of the cable and pull the spring out, if you plan on just lubing it. Be carefull not to lose the small washer on the end.
7. If you plan on replacing the cable houseing or need to remove it, remove it from the engine side, pulling it through as the rubber firewall sealer. Installation is a little hard, as you have to get way underneath the steering column. Smaller the hands the better.
Hope this helps. I had this same problem too with a jumpy bouncing speedometer.

[ejp2fast]

I use white lithium grease. I don't like graphite, because it tends to clump and thicken after awhile, causing the same problem. You don't have to remove the IC. When reinstall the cable into the jacket, it will stop at the back of the speedo head. Just twist the cable with you fingers, and it should drop right in.

thanks jim, i was writing my message when you posted yours. I did remove the Instument cluster cause i didn't know better the first time... but you don't have to if you are only lubing the spring.

[syfir]

Ok, I'm having trouble picturing some of this as I have never seen a speedo cable disassembled before, have only read about how to do this. So let me see if I have this straight. In order to lube the cable, I want to pull the cable out of the housing and actually lube the cable itself, then resleeve it and reinstall? Or do I want to lube the spring on the gauge end of the cable?

[ejp2fast]

ok, you'll disconnect the cable at the tranny. Then, take out the spring and lube the spring, then reinstall the spring and reconnect. The true cable or 'sleeve' that the spring is in will not be removed, only disconnected to get to the spring inside. The spring is what spins, turning the speedometer, cable is stationary.

[syfir]

I think I got it. So the cable is spiralled around the inside of the housing. I just pull out the spring and coat it in lubricant. It just slides back inside the housing?

[GenevaDirt]

he is calling it a spring but it is a wound cable...so it is flexible....disconnect at tranny, grab the end of inner cable and just pull it right out. There is a little washer on it that you want to be sure you don't lose....after you are done lubing it....slide it back in and like Jim said...just twist it and push a little until it is all the way in...then reattach at the tranny....good to go.

[syfir]

I pulled out the cable, it was a little rusty. I cleaned it up and put the white lithium grease on. It's still pretty jumpy, maybe slightly smoother but not fixed. Did I not use enough grease or is it some other part? I put a thin film on the cable, not an excessive amount.

[25Horseplay]

I had this problem one time and it was the speedo itself.

[stefan]

How easily did the metal cable turn? Maybe the rubber sleeve thing that the metal cable goes into is worn out.

[syfir]

I'm not sure, it turned, but there was some resistance. I heard a clicking a couple of times when I tested it. Assumed it was the speedo moving. I did notice at the speedo end there was a bit of a kink in the cable.

[Seth]

i had this problem and ignored it for a while. then i lost the speedo one day right after i installed a speedo tachometer combo. pulled it out of the tranny to find it all mangled and twisted in the sleeve. i think it might have been from reverse to fast in the snow. but hey, im not an expert. i just know it was broke.

picked up a new one on rockauto.com not expensive easy fix.

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