Annoying Speedometer Noise at Cluster

OK, so little to my surprise, lubing the cable had absolutely zero effect. I used a lithium grease as suggested by all the WD-40 nay sayers and it had the same exact effect. Same as last time, I pulled and cleaned the cable, lubed the housing and re installed. No apparent binding, the cable goes all the way in with little to no resistance.

As I said in my O.P., I am sure this is not a cable problem as the noise didnt start until after removing the cluster. The noise is localized in the cluster and I still feel that the clock is the problem, has anyone been inside these things? are they serviceable?

Any answers OTHER than the nominal "its the cable" would be appreciated. I ruled that out before posting the first time :)