Noisy speedometer cable, best practices???

[zieg85]

My 84 speedometer cable is somewhat noisy.  I have heard worse but this one I am going to try and save without replacing it.  Looking for recommendations on what to use, either spray, remove cable from trans and lube up that way or a combo of both...  What says you???

[bd]

Inspect the casing for bends and damage, then remove the cable from the casing.  Carefully wipe the cable down and inspect it for broken strands and wear.  If the cable appears serviceable, slather it with a medium-weight, good quality lithium base or synthetic grease as you feed it back into its casing.  Be sure to keep the cable clean, so you don't introduce sand or other fine debris that will cause the needle to jump.

[cyclops1032]

Exactly what bd said. Take the cable housing loose from the back of the speedometer and pull the cable out. If it checks ok, grease the cable as you insert it back in the housing. I always used Lubriplate (engine assembly grease) because that's what I always had on hand.

[zieg85]

I used wheel bearing grease, it is now quiet as a mouse.  Fastened the radio bracket down, put a few new lights in the dash and put the dash light in the heat control.  Put a 12V lighter plug for the GPS and took it for a spin.  Speedometer is dead on...  Put all the screws back in the right spot and buttoned everything back on.  Runs good in the rain and the windshield wipers work great.  Wing windows whistling is next thing to tackle.

[DnStClr]

I'll be watching to see how you fix the whistle, zieg. I put new seals in this summer and still have air comin in...

[zieg85]

I'll be watching to see how you fix the whistle, zieg. I put new seals in this summer and still have air comin in...

I see light through so mine is obvious that it needs seals.  I will probably run a bead of silicone and seal it up for the winter and deal with it this spring...