Anyone have a clue as to why my speedometer needle jumps up and down during driving? And it makes this wonderful clicking noise as it does it. [:@]

 

I would like to know this too, but I think it has something to do with the speedometer gear. That, and you can clean the cable, and that might work. I think...

 

Check the driven gear at the end of the cable that's in the tranny because that's easier/cheaper to replace.

But I really think the speedometer cable is about ready to die. When it alternates between binding up inside the sheath and popping free, the gauge in the dash doesn't get anywhere near a steady input. Then it jumps around as best as it can to keep up with what it thinks is happening. I'd plan on replacing the whole thing (cable & sheath) instead of just the inner cable - if the sheath is damaged any new cable would do the same thing after a while.


Norm

 

Yeah ur problems sounds like mine. Except mine doesnt goto 0. It likes to maxout.I was told it was the gear in the transmission. And that it had worn out.Still not sure though i havent had time to check it.

 

Three possibilities - yup, the gear; and thecable tube needs lubrication. The easiest fix is to pull the tubeat the transmission and remove theinner cable. Wipe clean the inner cable as best as possible andlightly lubeit with lithium (white) grease.Cleaning the innercable may not always fix the lubrication problem as there is a possibility of a build-up of crud in the outer tube. As long as you got the transmission end off, check the gear for wear and broken teeth and replace it if necessary.
The third is the speedometer itself. Remember, it is old.
Jim

 

I use graphite as a lubricant for the speedometer cable. I have found that the white lithium grease tends to get hard and gum up the inside of the cable housing.

 

We used to use antisieze compound out here in So Cal.

 

I prefer graphite too, but in a dirty housing you get an interesting compound - solid lithium graphite. If you flush the tube with solvent and then run a string in the tube to use as a pulling tool for a bigger rope like brush, you can clean it enough to use graphite.
Jim

 

What's that stuff made out of?

 

So if you are going to clean and lube the spedo cable you pull it from the transmission?