Sticky speedo fix

[Scott Liggett]

My Impala's speedo sticks above 60 mph. It seems to work just fine below that, but after driving at freeways speeds. It often just stays at whatever speed I was going when I exit. I can get it to go back down to zero by smacking it or the top of the dash.

Is there a way to lube these things?

[1988montecarloss]

Re: Sticky speedo fix

Is there a way to lube these things?

1. take it apart

2. lubricate! ;D

[MadmanMark]

Re: Sticky speedo fix

Mine did that for a while before it snapped. When I replaced it, I found a part of the sleeve that had melted and the cable was fraying on part of the frame. These are cheap and easy to replace (usually in stock at your local auto parts store). The biggest pain of the job is squeezing your hand up to the speedometer to get that fitting out (especially if some of it snaps off into the speedo fitting). I find it a lot easier to hook up the speedo before putting the other end in the trans.

[IRONHEAD]

Re: Sticky speedo fix

I've always , jacked up car. undo the cable at tranny.
pull the inner cable out, grease it.. reinstall it..
unless the inner cable is coming apart.. it works everytime,
ur in cali, it might not be the cable.. the head unit might have baked the grease.. in the head unit..
you might want to regease that
but it you want to by a cable go right ahead..
good luck

[Scott Liggett]

Re: Sticky speedo fix

The cable is new and does not squeak and was properly lubed before installing. The speedo also does not bounce around. It just gets stuck at freeway speeds.

[squirrel]

Re: Sticky speedo fix

I've always , jacked up car. undo the cable at tranny.
pull the inner cable out, grease it.. reinstall it..

strange, all the speedo cables I've seen have a ring crimped on at the top that prevents them being pulled out from the bottom. You have to do that from the speedo end of the cable.

Look carefully at the needle, maybe it's bent and rubbing on face of the speedo?

[Schtauffer]

Re: Sticky speedo fix

My Monte does the same thing. Its not the speedo cable, in my case anyway. I took it apart, couldn't find anything. I just figured the speedo is screwed up and needs a new one.

[IRONHEAD]

Re: Sticky speedo fix

I've always , jacked up car. undo the cable at tranny.
pull the inner cable out, grease it.. reinstall it..

strange, all the speedo cables I've seen have a ring crimped on at the top that prevents them being pulled out from the bottom. You have to do that from the speedo end of the cable.

Look carefully at the needle, maybe it's bent and rubbing on face of the speedo?

sorry, your right it's the other end..

[DanStokes]

Re: Sticky speedo fix

Here's something to try - it works for me (sometimes) on cars I'm fixing to resell. I pull the speedo head and squirt WD 40 or the penetrating lube of your choice down the shaft where the speedo cable hooks up. Then run the speedo head up to speed w/your drill. I clamped a broken square drive from an old cable in the chuck. Seems like I had to spin it backwards, IIRC. Anyhow, I alternate a squirt or two and spinning the thing up to speed. It's free and therefore worth a shot.

Doesn't sound like a cable to me. They generally make a racket at any speed - or they don't.

If that doesn't do it you can disassemble the speedo head and clean and lube w/graphite. Speedos really aren't too complicated - at least the old mechanical ones. This is also a chance for you to "adjust" the odometer, if so inclined. No clue on the electronic stuff. Third choice - take the head to a speedo shop - Bob's Speedometer in Farmington, if one happens to be in the Detroit area. I'll bet LA has a shop somewhere.

Dan

[squirrel]

Re: Sticky speedo fix

Usually if the speedo cable is bent or needs lube, the needle will bounce back and forth (from 55-65 mph for example). Dan's lube trick is definitely worth a try. You have to switch the drill to "REV" because the speedo turns clockwise as viewed from the front...but CCW as viewed from the end you stick the drill onto.

[Scott Liggett]

Re: Sticky speedo fix

I'm not interested in replacing the speedo, or even adjusting the reading as I need it to prove how little I drive it to AAA Insurance. Keeps my insurance costs way down. Really a pain to replace a speedo. Have to go get the car inspected all over again and fill out a bunch of forms for them.

[squirrel]

Re: Sticky speedo fix

not if you don't change the odometer, eh? I always just set the new odometer to what the old one read....it's a puzzle, it's not rocket surgery

[DanStokes]

Re: Sticky speedo fix

Hey! Jim, you stole my "rocket surgery" comment! I thought it was silly at the time - I still like it.

Good Luck, Scott
Dan

[Mr4Speed]

Re: Sticky speedo fix

Even if you have to replace the speedo you can swap the odometer barrel into the other one as is.



Rocket surgery! One of my favorites.