Speedometer or Speedo Cable question

[dbcjmc]

Hi Folks!

My speedo meter needle bounces erratically below 25mph, but once I get going it stablilizes. I removed the cable at the speedo and the tranny this afternoon, pulled out the cable from the tranny side and cleaned it. I cleaned out the cable as best I could with brake cleaner then lubed it as best I could with graphite and chain lube. Reinstalled the cable and put it all back together.

Now the needle bounces erratically below 30mph but then stablizes at higher speed. Any ideas? Do I need a new cable? The condition looked pretty good....

What do you think?

[Ttiger]

Even though you cleaned the cable, there may be gunk or burrs in the housing. Mine does the same thing. I bought a new cable, but have not put it in yet.

[RogerZ]

follow the cable all the way back to the tranny and be sure there are no kinks or extreme bends in it. Had that problem on a couple z's and found cable had not been routed correctly putting undue pressure on it. Also you can put a drill on the cable end at the tranny and vary the speed to see if it is tracking. there is a legend on the speedo itself stating that at X rpm it will read 60 mph. Be sure it is fully engaged at the transmission end and also on the speedo end. If installed loosely it won't be accurate usually.

[Oiluj]

Ditto on Ttiger's comment. Had the same problem on an MGA.

Flush the cable housing with engine cleaner or solvent. Let it soak a day or so and repeat. Then blow-out with an air compressor. Relube the cable and re-install.