Noisy speedometer cable

[bob32268]

I have a 66 Coronet 440 and the speedometer cable is making a racket. What's the best/correct way to lubricate the cable ?
Tks,
Bob32268

 

[Green72]

You will probably be happier if you start with a new cable. But what I have done is take the cable out of the car and work a lubricant into the cable.

 

[AR67GTX]

I’m afraid once it’s started making racket, that’s an indication the inner sheathing is probably worn through. New cables aren’t that much.

 

[Bird 426]

Used to lube them with wheel bearing grease, but you could really use any grease. If you end up with a new cable, lube it!

 

[khryslerkid]

My '62s speedometer was bouncing. Pulled the cable off the back of the speedometer, pulled the cable out and lubed it with Wolfs Head red wheel bearing grease. Fixed the bouncing

 

[matthon]

New cables are garbage, lube original one.

Speedo can cause the same sound, from personal experience.

Pull it, WD40 the heck out of the mechanism, specifically the sealed up pot metal part, which should have a small hole or port to put WD40.

Use the end of an old cable or something that fits, stick it in a drill and make sure the WD40 works through it.

 

[VANDAN]

Remove the cable, hang it, start lubing with a penetrating spray. Let it hang for some time, spin the cable with a drill. Repeat as needed. When it's freed up enough, use a good quality lubricant that will adhere in the casing. Original cables are the best, unless it's fraying, or kinked...

 

[440 4 speed]

New cables are garbage, lube original one.

Speedo can cause the same sound, from personal experience.

Pull it, WD40 the heck out of the mechanism, specifically the sealed up pot metal part, which should have a small hole or port to put WD40.

Use the end of an old cable or something that fits, stick it in a drill and make sure the WD40 works through it.

A chemical engineer told me that WD40 is not a good lubricant.
I have used graphite, soaked the cable in engine oil and used lithium grease with very good success.

 

[matthon]

A chemical engineer told me that WD40 is not a good lubricant.
I have used graphite, soaked the cable in engine oil and used lithium grease with very good success.

I wouldn't use WD40 on the cable, just the speedo mechanism.
Once freed up, I put a few drips of oil in the small port and work that through.