I replaced the speedometer cable a few weeks ago. Everything was fine for about a couple of weeks. I started noticing the speedometer needle vibrating a few days ago but only on my drives home. It's now rattling at most speeds and louder the faster I go. Oddly it's quiet in the mornings when going to work but noisy on the return trips in the afternoon. It used to be the other way around with the old cable.
I made sure there were no kinks or bends when I installed it. Did I possibly get a defective cable? This sucks since there's so much work involved. I'd practically say screw it and disconnect the cable and rely on the tachometer but I need to know how fast I'm going.
Is there a way to convert to an electric speedometer?

 

Speedo app on my phone works well.

 

Cool idea about the app but my iPhone has some really bad battery life. I still need a way to keep track of the miles I put on the truck for oil changes and other maintenance.
I checked for any cable issues under the truck but found none.

 

It probably wasn't lubed very well from the factory maybe. There are GPS speedometers. I bought one for my boat from Summit. It just has a continuous power wire, a keyed power wire and a ground. As much as it sucks to replace the cable again or try to get some lube in, it's cheaper than installing a GPS speedo. Good luck.


Also; The speedo could be dry and the actual source of the noise.

 

I was curious about possibly retrofitting a speedometer from newer 93 or 94 truck to eliminate the need for a cable. I've seen threads about them quitting though but I never read them.
I still have my old cable that was able to take apart. I can easily grease it and reuse it. I just dread having to pull everything apart again. I've actually gotten good at pulling the dash apart but it's still a PITA.

 

Yeah I guess you might be able to install the electronic speedo drive and run wires or whatever would be involved. Still a PITA whatever you decide to do. Good luck. I hope the fix lasts this time.

 

Was this a factory cable? I replaced mine quite some time ago with a Toyota part but I’m not sure if it’s still available.

 

Yes it was a factory part I got from my local dealer. I'm sure they warranty their parts. I'll see what they offer me. I never expected a factory part to fail from Toyota so soon.

 

 

I'm going to see if they'll take it back and give me a refund. I still have my old cable that's apart that I can regrease.

 

I loosened the cable a few turns on the transmission end and it seemed to help for now. The speedometer needle still vibrates going over 50 mph but it doesn't make the rattling sound like before. At least for now.

 

Are you sure you got the speedometer end fully seated in the hole and the housing clipped?

 

Yes, that was the first thing I did as I was putting the cluster back in. It operated smoothly this morning with out any bounce in the needle at all speeds. I'm sure the needle will vibrate when I drive it this afternoon. Odd.

 

Maybe the speedometer needs some work. I never got into one from a 3rd gen like yours but I have been into old vehicles from the 50's that needed a clean and lube. I wonder if you can maybe blow it out and use some graphite lube or something.

Another possibility is the drive end. I found one that was pretty chewed up when I was taking a donor case apart for my dual case setup. The parts inside the case.