mt4runner

Can anyone say with any certainty if a "purchased new from Toyota" speedometer cable is pre-lubed? I had/have the infamous "squealing when cold speedometer" syndrome with my 91 4runner. After lubing both the cable and speedometer head a few times, only to have the squeal return, I replaced the cable, smuggly assuming that my problems were over.....Wrong. So, cold weather has once again returned, along with the same old problem. Before I replaced the cable, I took the speedo head to a speedometer repair shop for inspection. He told me that he thought the thing was just worn out, but to appease me, he put the head in a freezer for several hours, then tested it and could not replicate my problem.
So, if the new cable is in fact factory lubed, I see two options left. Find a used speedometer( been looking into it, around $90 and with as many miles or more than my unit, and probably just as worn or worse) or shell out for a new one. I'm a little gun shy now, but would spend the $300 or so for a new one "IF" I can be certain this will cure my problem. Any insight or suggestion?
Regards, Rick

Matt16

What did you lube it with? Graphite did as you described; worked for a while, then the problem returned. DId that multiple times. Eventually, I wouldn't bother taking apart the dash and instead filled it from the other end. The magic lube was "chain lube" and so far its lasted through some cooler weather without a hint of noise.

mt4runner

Matt16, don't recall for sure what particular lube I used, but I believe it was a graphite. I would like to believe that a new cable is pre-lubed , but I'm not sure.
Rick

Matt16

I'm afraid I can't answer that question (and I won't give you a "Sarah Palin response". For me, graphite lube lasted about 500mi at best, usually less. "Chain lube" has lasted 1500 mi and no sound yet.

blaiwayw

I just replace the speedo cable on my 86 4Runner. It has some kind of grease on both ends. Impossible to tell if the grease is along the entire lenght. When I replaced it, (240,000 as original), I still had noise. Took the speedometer out and ran it with the old cable, using a cordless drill. Found the squeal. I had another speedometer, so just replaced it.