So my floorshift speedo was making funny "wirring" sounds like the bushing was gone and the speedo was jumping all over the place. I figured I grab one of my column shift speedos for parts and rebuild the floor shift. Well guess what, the column shift odometer is above the speedo indicator and floor shift are underneath. The result is almost NOTHING interchanges.

Worst thing is I really didn't find anything wrong with the speedo so I'm wondering if the cable was binding (but the cable is spinning fine )

So don't do what I did........

 

Did you lube the cable before you put it back? I've had a 'jumping' cable before that settled down with simple lube.

 

Jumping and whirring are classic signs of a bad cable.

- Eric

 

The speedometer pins at a speed and stays there. Could be 30 45, 50 or 90. It appears the speedometer piece that rotates when the magnet inside spins seems to get stuck against the outside housing. I adjusted the housing (which you can do by loosening the 2 screws holding the housing on) so the moving speedo parts do not hit the housing anymore.

We'll see. If it keeps doing it I'll replace the cable. The cable is easier to replace than the gauge. The gauge sucked to get out & I'm not looking forward to getting it back in.

 

I think I know what you mean. Does it fluctuate (like 3mph + or -) at low speed up to about 15 then settle down? That was what mine did. The fix was to relube the whole cable. That fixed it good. Sorry, I know the 68/69 is a PITA for removing the speedo gage, my 72 is a piece of cake by comparison. It all comes out through the front.

 

If you haven't put it back together yet, you might consider putting some grease on the cable while you can get to it. Just grab the end of the cable and pull it out of the housing. I used to just put some white grease in the palm of one hand and hold the housing while using the other hand to slip the cable through the grease while sliding it back into the housing. You have to turn the cable a little when you get to the end to get it into the gear at the bottom and you're done. It can't hurt and might save you a headache later.

 

My didn't fluctuate, it jumped and usually only over 35 or 40. It made a sound like a bad bearing, but not all the time.

I lubed the cable with a spray lube but I'll try pulling the cable like Highwayman suggested and coating it with lithium. I lubed the bushing with sewing machine oil while I had it apart and used lithium grease on the odometer drive gears. The odometer worked fine, even when the speedometer got stuck although it was still making a sound like a bad bearing.

I don't think it's the cable because it's brand new

 

The speedo head rarely goes bad. Whirring and jumping needle are classic signs of a bad cable. ALWAYS replace the easy/cheap part FIRST!!!

 

After coming to a stop the needle will stay at say 30 or 40 mph. After taking the head apart there isn't any way for that needle to stay stuck there unless the needle mechanism is contacting the outer housing. If it contacted the inner magnet it would tear the needle mechanism apart.

I'll see what happens when I it back together. The cable is easy to replace compared to the gauge. I wish I would have found something more definitive that was wrong with it. Maybe when I pull the cable up I'll find something

 

I just bought a 66 Cutlass and became a forum member so I'm jumping in here after several months have gone by on this thread.

My problem is the speedometer fluctuates with a ticking sound at low speeds (usually under 40 mph). Upon speeding up past 40 the fluctuating stops but the ticking continues, although a bit quieter.

Does this sound like a cable issue? How do you disconnect and grease? My car is a column automatic.

Thanks for any help.

Warren

 

Warren, yes it sounds like a cable issue. It may be the cable or the casing itself has a kink in it. Also could be a bent tip on the cable. I don't remember how to take the speedo out of a 66/67 but someone who can help you is Ron Roth. He specializes in 66/67 Cutlass dashes. Give him a PM, he's a very smart and helpful guy. https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...o=newpm&u=7313

 

Thanks Allan.

 

Hey Roadie I had the same problem.It could be a Speedo Head problem .But what I found was it was an off the shelf Speedo cable.84 Inches long.I measured it out and had Bobs Speedometer Shop Custom make me the Right length 54 inches and out of the right material..Remove the inter cable and lube it up.Replace it and you should be fine.If you have the same problem lets check the Speedo Head.I have plenty of them..Ron Roth 586-556-1234

 

"I don't think it's the cable because it's brand new"

========================


1) always look at the last thing "fixed" first

2) Brand new does NOT equal 'works perfectly'.... especially with reproduction car parts. Often a used original part works better.

 

Do you have too much Cable. I had an 84 inch Cable "Bought it off the shelf"..when I only needed a 54.I measured it out and had Bobs Speedometer Shop Howell Michigan fabricate me one just the right size.
It is so quiet and fluid in the Needle of the Speedo Head movement.Not Jerkey and spend a couple of extra bucks.Well worth it..Ron

 

So I got a new speedo over the winter and installed it the other night. You were all correct, it's still doing it. I emailed the place I got the cable from (ebay mega seller) and had the following exchange:


So if someone knows where I can get a decent cable let me know. I''m not going back to this guy