I've already done this once. I loosened the cable off the back of the instrument panel and sprayed graphite down it. After two months, the noise is back. Anyone fixed it for good and what did they do? It is too much work to do bi-monthly.

Anyone know what component makes the noise? Is it the cable against the sheath, the cable head against the socket it fits into or what?

As a last resort, I will buy the electric speedo conversion from Marlin Crawler. I assume what it does is it converts the speedo rpm to electric pulses at the transfer case instead of behind the dash. Anyone dones this?

 

What kind of graphite spray did you use?

The only type of speedometer cable lube I've seen is a graphite type lube in a container about the size of a 'crazy glue' tube, and had an alcohol based carrier and came in a tube that you cut the tip off of and dripped out, kind of like the old 3-in-1 oil cans.

 

Same stuff but in an aerosol can.

 

Mine does it in my 91 PU, and I'm pretty sure it's the cluster itself, only because there's so much "bounce" in the speedo needle. I think the gears or whatever is in the cluster have just worn out.

After 284k miles, I'll let the little things like that slide

 

had the same problem, a $18 cable from napa a little over a year ago and problem was fixed.

highway

 

I started with that problem eventually cable snapped, replaced with oem and now everything is fine. THe oem cable is 100 bucks..luckily i had a 25 % off coupon. It was pretty easy to change out. If you have little arms fingers etc...

 

I'm sure I could change it, but if the problem is actually the gears in the speedo, I'd like to figure that out first.

 

I never could get lube to work on my speedo cable. I think the speedo "bounce" is more a result of the cable binding and then letting loose again over and over, than it is a cluster or gauge problem. But I have been known to be wrong from time to time...

 

It doesn't bounce on mine. It just makes a terribly annoying noise that sounds like rice bouncing around in a plastic cup.

 

When I changed over my dash lights I tried to lube up the cable.

How the heck do you take the cable apart? I tried to drip the lithium grease down the top. It took about 20 mins and I got more in the dash then in the cable. It worked GREAT for 2 days then it came back.

I don't want to shell out the 100+ dollars for a new cable

On a good note, I can have my dash out in 5 mins flat hahaha!

 

i read something about someone spraying lube down the cable while driving. Sounds dangerous, but you could get someone to spin the other end of the cable with a drill.

 

Hmm. I had a friend of mine turning the t-case end with his hand. It was still a PITA to get any lube in the little space at the top between the case and the cable.

Is it true I can take the bastard out?

 

I bet you could slit the cable and lube it up good, then seal it with electrical tape.

 

good idea, is there a way to get heat shrink over the cable instead of elec tape?

lee

 

Perhaps, though the tubing thats big enough to fit over the cable ends may not be able to shrink down enough. I think electrical tape would be alright.

 

Good idea Matt. I will have to give that a shot. I would probibly put a little silicone on the cut, then after its dry, tape over it to prevent it from breaking. I like to overprotect things

 

I'm going to leave the tube open and hire leprechaun to spray graphite lube in there for me. While he's not spraying lube on the cable, he will be blowing into the intake and I will have an pseudo-turbo alcohol-fueled 22RE.

 

HaX!!11one

 

There used to be a grease gun fitting just for this. It screws onto the drive end of the cable and hooks up to the grease gun, allowing you to fill the sleave with regular grease, thus, eliminating any slop or wear. Haven't seen one for years (since someone stole mine out of my toolbox when I worked at a shop).

 

Try a motor cycle shop and look for a cable luber:

http://www.motionpro.com/motorcycle/tools/cable_luber/