SPEEDOMETER NOISES

[edmccloughloch]

Today I finished the interior of my truck - put back in the instrument cluster, and put on a new speedometer cable. The cable was previously cut by me on the side of the road because it was making a ridiculously loud noise....I thought it might be just loose somewhere...but never did fix that...and now that I put on the new cable, the same noise happens. It sounds like the cable is spinning out of control in there or something.....the needle does move but very erratically. Does this sound like a busted speedometer or should I try and tighten the cable more??

[FORDification]

Sounds to me like your cable is just dry. When it's dry, rather than spinning easily, it binds and then pops loose and then does it again....so your speedometer needle jumps around as the cable pops loose. You just need to disconnect your speedo cable at the instrument panel and lubricate it from that end. You'll want to use graphite as a lubricant and not oil or grease. However, working in the graphite can really be a PIA. You could try some oil if you lose your patience, but you might want to consider just replacing it, especially since they're less than $20 at most auto parts stores.

[edmccloughloch]

the cable in there now is brand new and I put whatever lubricant came with the cable along the full length of the cable. Ill try some graphite...

[72hiboy4x4]

could the driven gears in the transmission be stripped out? pretty simple to check- just pull the cable out from the tranny and see if your new cable end is stripped. there is a gear inside there also, that might be stripped. my 2C

[flyboy2610]

You really only need to tighten the speedo cable coupling abot 1/2-3/4 turn past finger tight.

[67effie]

Just a thought I had this same problem and my problem was that it wasn't correctly attached to the dash.

[DDfab]

my 69 used to do that in the winter when i first took off, after a few miles of crazy speedo it stopped. was nice to do 0-100 in half a second

[lobuck76]

Mine did the same thing with the new cable. turns out the cable is just a little too long for the shuck. When I snugged it up just handy it would bind up and the speedometer needle would jump. I just loosened the thumbnut quite a bit and it acted ok. I planned on sliding the cable out and taking about a 16th off with the benchgringder. I'll get around to it one of these days.

[19674x4]

am i correct that on a 67 highboy the speedo cable attaches at the but end of the transfer case right before the yolk?

[adam138]

My truck has been doing that every morning when I take it to school it makes a scratching noise and goes crazy.I think because its cold.Because afterschool when it warms up outside it doesnt make noise.

[fordman]

it may be starting to get bad. take and put some graphite in it now before it messes up. it might save some bull later.

[heep70]

am i correct that on a 67 highboy the speedo cable attaches at the but end of the transfer case right before the yolk?

YEP.

These cable are no longer available. A shop has to build them for you. "Highboys" only. Read below.

http://fordification.com/forum/viewtopi ... eedo+cable