Cutting Noisy Speedo Cable

GodwinAustin · 12-07-2009, 07:33 AM

Speedo cable is bad on my truck - had this happen before with a previous yota and the part isnt cheap. Right now the thing is howling like a wild coyote.

I am poor as all heck right now, so I'm wondering can I just cut the damn thing until I have enough money to fix it?

If I can, where is the best place to cut it?

The truck is a 5 speed 22re, 88 4runner.

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**DeathCougar** · 12-07-2009, 08:17 AM

Why cut it? Why not just unhook it at the sender in the Tcase? That way all you have to do is unscrew it. You don't want to try and cut through those thick cables and sheathing, trust me.

GodwinAustin · 12-07-2009, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeathCougar

Why cut it? Why not just unhook it at the sender in the Tcase? That way all you have to do is unscrew it. You don't want to try and cut through those thick cables and sheathing, trust me.

haha I never thought of that

good thing I asked

DC, what am I looking for on the transfer case?

**DeathCougar** · 12-07-2009, 08:20 AM

Very back, pass side. You will see where the cable connects

GodwinAustin · 12-07-2009, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeathCougar

Very back, pass side. You will see where the cable connects

Deathcougar, you know everything!

GodwinAustin · 12-07-2009, 08:37 AM

That took approximately three seconds

spanish-road · 12-07-2009, 10:43 AM

its only 20 bucks at napa.

camo31"10.50" · 12-07-2009, 10:48 AM

it was like $5 at the local junkyard LOL!!!

now finding and purchasing an E-brake cable....that's a different animal

mcm375 · 12-07-2009, 06:25 PM

Patch your e-brake cable with u-bolt cable clamps

Team420 · 12-07-2009, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcm375

Patch your e-brake cable with u-bolt cable clamps

x2... got 5 stickers so far with the cable clamps....

AzStorm · 12-08-2009, 07:29 AM

Why not just lube the speedo cable and reattatch?

89silverpu · 12-08-2009, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AzStorm

Why not just lube the speedo cable and reattatch?

Exactly what I was going to say. Take the speedo cable out of the truck, pull the cable out of the sheath and coat up and down with grease, then slip back in sheath and you're set. I've done it a couple times different toyota trucks.

poynter · 12-08-2009, 08:51 AM

My cable is noisy as well and I was wondering if you could shoot some grease down the sheath from behind the cluster? I have a can of white grease i was going to use.

Matt16 · 12-08-2009, 05:56 PM

THe only lube I've found that works on a speedo cable is "Chain lube" for motorcycles I think. Everything else lasted less than a month/ 1000 miles. Chain lube has lasted 2 years so far, and 15K miles.

THe easiest way to lube the cable is to detach it from the T-case, and unclip it from the body and feed it up so that it comes out from under the hood. Then stand on the tire and fill the sheath with lube allowing a couple minutes for it to drain down the cable.

poynter · 12-09-2009, 03:10 AM

Do you have to get chain lube at a motorcycle shop or is it something i can pickup at walmart/oreilys etc.

thanks

Tragic Drive · 12-10-2009, 07:14 PM

I used some Wet Graphite lube from Napa on the speedo cable. I sprayed it into the sheath from behind the cluster and my cable hasn't squeaked since then. When it was making noises it was a lot worse in the winter or when the cable was cold.

poynter · 12-11-2009, 03:33 AM

thanks! My cable is really bad when its cold. Its louder than the engine and sounds like its going to explode.

Matt16 · 12-11-2009, 07:29 AM

Graphite didn't last long. Any auto part store carries chain lube.

turbowhine · 12-11-2009, 08:58 AM

I lubed mine really easily with bicycle chain lube. My wife was putting the oil down the sheath (cluster removed) while I was under the truck with an electric drill hooked to the end of the cable near the t-case. By rotating the cable while lubricating it you'll get 10x the amount of oil/lube into it. I just did that until I got some drops of oil out the bottom. Worked perfectly, speedo stopped bouncing and squeeking. The trickiest part is removing the cluster, but that's not too bad...and it helps to have a helper. I highly recommend the drill technique!

gatchaman · 01-02-2010, 01:09 PM

Mine hasn't worked for about 2 weeks. Today I have everything pulled apart in my trusty 4... Should the cable just pull out? I have it disconnected at both ends and I've pulled on it but not real hard....

It still spins when i drive around but has a popping noise to it and won't turn the speedometer. Will a universal speedo cable work as well or will that be a pain to do?

gatchaman · 01-02-2010, 01:10 PM

Also, is there anywhere to get parts like the window trim rubber... or basically any parts besides ebay? I got it with 57miles on it and now have 257K... I'd like to bring it back from it's old age..

Padawon · 01-04-2010, 06:57 AM

Got a similar speedo problem.

Took out my cluster to remove the green bulb condoms. I shot some white lithium inside the speedo connector, Since I was already in there. Now the Speedo screams and says im doing 90mph when im only going about 35mph. I took the cluster out and put it back together, It was working great for about a week, but I drove the truck this morning when it was cold out and it started acting up again.

Maybe I was really going 90? Yea right!

Any ideas?

peow130 · 01-04-2010, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Padawon

Got a similar speedo problem.

Took out my cluster to remove the green bulb condoms. I shot some white lithium inside the speedo connector, Since I was already in there. Now the Speedo screams and says im doing 90mph when im only going about 35mph. I took the cluster out and put it back together, It was working great for about a week, but I drove the truck this morning when it was cold out and it started acting up again.

Maybe I was really going 90? Yea right!

Any ideas?

Use some carb/choke cleaner and de-lube the speedo-cable, wait a few minutes, then use Motorcycle chain lube.

lithium grease is for electric motors >.<

Padawon · 01-04-2010, 09:38 AM

Clean it with brake clean is what I was thinking. White Lithium is general purpose, But I will use some chain lube this time.
I don’t see how lubing it would cause the speedo to read a higher output…but then again what else could it be?

Padawon · 01-15-2010, 07:55 AM

FYI

I E-Mailed a local speedometer repair man and this is what he told me.

i am sorry to hear about your problem with the 4 runner.
i am very familiar with that vehicle and have serviced quite a few.
The problem is NOT your fault and is just coincidental with the bulb replacement. I would suspect the recent cold snaps as the more likely culprit.
The speedometer is going bad. do not run the speedo is this condition or it will get worse.
and cost more!!
The speedometer has a magnet that turns in a plastic bushing. It has gone dry over the years and cold weather will aggravate the condition.
The speedometer needs to be completely disassembled and cleaned and lubricated with the proper grease and clock oil. I would charge you $90 out of the vehicle. i would rebuild it on the spot wherever it needs to be done. I warranty my work for 2 years.

12-07-2009, 08:37 AM	#6 (permalink)
GodwinAustin Contributing Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Eagle County Colorado Posts: 1,166	That took approximately three seconds __________________ -Jon Red 88 4runner - 5Spd - 22re

12-07-2009, 10:43 AM	#7 (permalink)
spanish-road Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Fairbanks Ak Posts: 1,200	its only 20 bucks at napa. __________________ What I don't get is why pay someone to work on your vehicle? 1991 toyota pickup extcab- 22re 31x10.5x15 bone stock except for the RV cam and tires.

12-07-2009, 10:48 AM	#8 (permalink)
camo31"10.50" Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Vian, OK Posts: 3,621	it was like $5 at the local junkyard LOL!!! now finding and purchasing an E-brake cable....that's a different animal __________________ FOR SALE 1986 Ext. Cab 4x4, rebuilt 22R, 5spd, 31x10.50 X-Terrains FOR SALE 1992 SR5 4runner V6, 5 speed, 4in. trail-master lift, 33x12.50 BFG muds, 4.56 gears!!! and an IMMACULATE interior..yes..you should be jealous "Its still a toyota man.. Dont deprive it of its capabilities.." "If you can read english, Thank a teacher...If you can speak it, Thank a soldier!!" Kelli Ruark-2009

12-07-2009, 06:25 PM	#9 (permalink)
mcm375 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Pollock Pines, CA Posts: 122	Patch your e-brake cable with u-bolt cable clamps __________________ My 22RE Rebuild in Photos

12-10-2009, 07:14 PM	#16 (permalink)
Tragic Drive Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Maryland Posts: 434	I used some Wet Graphite lube from Napa on the speedo cable. I sprayed it into the sheath from behind the cluster and my cable hasn't squeaked since then. When it was making noises it was a lot worse in the winter or when the cable was cold. __________________ *,Thomas* Supercharged 3.4 in a ARB Locked 95 Runner

12-08-2009, 07:29 AM	#11 (permalink)
AzStorm Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: HELL,AKA Phoenix,Arizona Posts: 447	Why not just lube the speedo cable and reattatch?

12-08-2009, 08:51 AM	#13 (permalink)
poynter Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Somerset, KY Posts: 221	My cable is noisy as well and I was wondering if you could shoot some grease down the sheath from behind the cluster? I have a can of white grease i was going to use.

12-09-2009, 03:10 AM	#15 (permalink)
poynter Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Somerset, KY Posts: 221	Do you have to get chain lube at a motorcycle shop or is it something i can pickup at walmart/oreilys etc. thanks

12-11-2009, 03:33 AM	#17 (permalink)
poynter Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Somerset, KY Posts: 221	thanks! My cable is really bad when its cold. Its louder than the engine and sounds like its going to explode.

12-11-2009, 08:58 AM	#19 (permalink)
turbowhine Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Bellingham, WA Posts: 25	I lubed mine really easily with bicycle chain lube. My wife was putting the oil down the sheath (cluster removed) while I was under the truck with an electric drill hooked to the end of the cable near the t-case. By rotating the cable while lubricating it you'll get 10x the amount of oil/lube into it. I just did that until I got some drops of oil out the bottom. Worked perfectly, speedo stopped bouncing and squeeking. The trickiest part is removing the cluster, but that's not too bad...and it helps to have a helper. I highly recommend the drill technique! __________________ 1991 4Runner 22RE 5sp 4x4 SR5 206+K Red

01-02-2010, 01:09 PM	#20 (permalink)
gatchaman Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 3	Mine hasn't worked for about 2 weeks. Today I have everything pulled apart in my trusty 4... Should the cable just pull out? I have it disconnected at both ends and I've pulled on it but not real hard.... It still spins when i drive around but has a popping noise to it and won't turn the speedometer. Will a universal speedo cable work as well or will that be a pain to do?

01-02-2010, 01:10 PM	#21 (permalink)
gatchaman Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 3	Also, is there anywhere to get parts like the window trim rubber... or basically any parts besides ebay? I got it with 57miles on it and now have 257K... I'd like to bring it back from it's old age..

01-04-2010, 06:57 AM	#22 (permalink)
Padawon Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: CA Posts: 52	Got a similar speedo problem. Took out my cluster to remove the green bulb condoms. I shot some white lithium inside the speedo connector, Since I was already in there. Now the Speedo screams and says im doing 90mph when im only going about 35mph. I took the cluster out and put it back together, It was working great for about a week, but I drove the truck this morning when it was cold out and it started acting up again. Maybe I was really going 90? Yea right! Any ideas?

01-04-2010, 09:38 AM	#24 (permalink)
Padawon Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: CA Posts: 52	Clean it with brake clean is what I was thinking. White Lithium is general purpose, But I will use some chain lube this time. I don’t see how lubing it would cause the speedo to read a higher output…but then again what else could it be?

01-15-2010, 07:55 AM	#25 (permalink)
Padawon Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: CA Posts: 52	FYI I E-Mailed a local speedometer repair man and this is what he told me. i am sorry to hear about your problem with the 4 runner. i am very familiar with that vehicle and have serviced quite a few. The problem is NOT your fault and is just coincidental with the bulb replacement. I would suspect the recent cold snaps as the more likely culprit. The speedometer is going bad. do not run the speedo is this condition or it will get worse. and cost more!! The speedometer has a magnet that turns in a plastic bushing. It has gone dry over the years and cold weather will aggravate the condition. The speedometer needs to be completely disassembled and cleaned and lubricated with the proper grease and clock oil. I would charge you $90 out of the vehicle. i would rebuild it on the spot wherever it needs to be done. I warranty my work for 2 years.

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