jerky speedometer

[dahodges]

I replaced my standard instrument cluster with a tach cluster. The speedometer was jerky and I could here a clicking coming from the cluster. The guy I got it from said it worked fine before. Did I do something wrong or is the speedo bad?

[htchbck]

sounds like the little drive shaft thingy on the end of the speedo cable isn't fully meshing with the speedometer. Is the clip on the speedo plug fully locked into position on the cluster? I had the same problem with mine once when I had just put the cluster back in and the clip had come loose.

[mattswabb]

Either its not properly engaged or your cable needs to be removed, taken apart, cleaned and regreased.

[elcamino1]

Once cleaned lube with some graphite oil,very lite,won't thicken when cold.

[mechanicaldj]

wrong!!!!

[mattswabb]

Good answer, you should be a repair section moderator

Well what's right then?

[mechanicaldj]

the cable is binding due to the abrupt right hand turn it now has to make to get to the speedo cluster.

corrective measure:
you have to pull the cable out to the firewall

then re-route the cable to the right of the center steering column support

[25Horseplay]

^^I had that same problem when I first put my tach dash in!

[htchbck]

i didn't have that problem on either of mine cause I rerouted the cable like wil's article said research can make many processes go much more smoothly

[Guest]

Zippy's does the exact same thing.. it's routed right, but I'm sure it needs cleaned and lubed since it only does it when it's cold outside.

[dahodges]

I did move it to the right. And reconnected the cable to the speedo twice. My old speedometer is now a little jerky. How to I clean it and where do I get some graphite oil?

[dahodges]

Also How do I get the cable past the firewall boot?

[mattswabb]

The boot clips in. From the engine side carefully pull the boot out.

[Dave G]

Is it cold where you are? That can cause the problems you describe...

[Bowls]

Yes but i doubt cold is the sole benefactor of the problem, we have -15 and lower for weeks at a time in nova scotia, and speedometers don't usually get jerky from the cold alone. your best bet is to follow what the mods say, atleast than that will prevent further problems and fix your current one.