Pictures of inner speedometer cable

[dmjlambert]

You guys know I like lots of pictures. It makes the job I'm getting ready do to less intimidating for a non-mechanic.

My speedometer was bouncy and noisy. I wanted to see what was going on and take care of that. I took loose the speedometer cable at the speedometer by unscrewing the sleeve. I saw posts here on the forum that the inner cable can be removed from the outer jacket by just slipping it out.

I found that it was not easily coming out, and didn't want to force it, so I unscrewed the sleeve at the transmission, unplugged it, and massaged it a little to straighten it out, and let it hang there.


Then when I went back into the cab I found the inner cable pulled out effortlessly.


Here's where it connects at the transmission:


I cleaned it up with some WD-40 and paper towels. Here's what the inner cable looks like (speedometer end):


I applied general purpose brown grease to the full length of it, and re-inserted it. Re-insert transmission end into jacket under dash.


I found when connecting it at the transmission first and then at the speedometer, it was not possible to get it engaged. I disconnected it at the transmission again. It was easier to put back together by connecting to the speedometer first, then attach the other end at the transmission.

When the inner cable is fully inserted, at the speedometer end the inner cable does not poke out very far beyond the sleeve that you screw to the speedometer. It sticks out maybe 1/4 inch. The inner cable sticks out at the transmission side further, about 1 inch.

Test drive. Much better. Good to go for another 50 years.

[dmjlambert]

close up of speedometer end



close up of transmission end

[BigBird05]

I hope you don't live in a cold climate, because the grease might become stiff in the winter.

[kwmech]

Cold or not, that 'brown grease' will eventually dry out and ball up. Need more of a graphite base lubricant. NAPA does sell a spedo cable specific lube

[dmjlambert]

Thanks, good to know. If I have further problems with it, I'll go up to NAPA or get a new cable if needed. .

[engineer_gregh]

Thanks for posting, very informative.

[geezer#99]

I’ve cleaned cables with acetone and used wd40 as a lubricant in cold (down near 40 below) conditions.

[BigBird05]

WD stands for water displacement, It is not a lubricant.

[geezer#99]

Originally Posted by BigBird05

WD stands for water displacement, It is not a lubricant.

Then what is it!

[Andy4639]

I would buy a new cable and housing also. Buy the lube and put it back together and never worry about it.



https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-1967-19...4383.l4275.c10

[lutronjim]

From an old mechanic friend. To check if cable is causing jitters, hold one end between thumb and finger on one hand - do the same for the other end of cable in the other hand and rotate. You will be able to feel any 'set' and know its time for renewal.