Speedometer Lubricant

[JustUseLinux]

Ok, I've had my speedometer lubricated before by a mechanic, twice, but each time the thing makes grinding noises, and either buries the needle or it doesn't move at all. I've also seen the mileage numbers jump around.

I'm cleaning everything out of it. There's a yellow tint on everything. I'm cleaning it all off. What should I lubricate it with ? Thanks.

 

[Mopar Tim]

The cable should only be lubed with Graphite! A dry lubricant. Nothing else will work right. Now the mechanism itself, I just use WD 40 and i am sure I will get flamed because of it! (not really a lubricant, but works ok )

 

[wannadrag]

White lithium grease works for me.

 

[fratzog lover]

I have a can of GM lubriplate from the Buick dealer I worked for in the late 70's. all I ever used. Never tried the graphite.

 

[Mopar Tim]

Here you go
https://www.zoro.com/crc-graphite-d...gclid=CICH8p2JnMwCFQiUaQod-loJpA&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[1963dartgt]

i used a recipe i got of off .org just the other day works great all you do is take a spoonfull of white lithium and add a couple of puffs of graphite to it stir it up and lightly coat the cable in it until the last six inches or so.This was from SlantSixDan and he knows his stuff.

 

[1963dartgt]

and as for the speedo it self i use hoppes gun oil.

 

[JustUseLinux]

and as for the speedo it self i use hoppes gun oil.

Apparently you can't use anything in the speedometer that collects dust or harms plastic gears. I noticed the free spinning part starting to have friction with the outside part. Maybe sand between them

 

[RedFish]

Sounds like wear in the bronze bushings. Two options, Send it off for repair or replace with another used.

 

[famous bob]

Sounds like wear in the bronze bushings. Two options, Send it off for repair or replace with another used.

use the same stuff you use on your weed eater cable .

 

[pishta]

Id stick with straight graphite powder, sold in locktite size tubes made for locks. I have removed cables from yards and they were either almost rusty or if they were lubed, they were covered in a fine sand, not good. Probably get grafhite from a bike shop too, for derailers and brake cables.

 

[adriver]

Use this on the speedometer.
Million mile tested by adriver.
I use a drill and cable end to bench check the speedometer before installation.
Cable?
Whatever.

 

[adriver]

Apparently you can't use anything in the speedometer that collects dust or harms plastic gears. I noticed the free spinning part starting to have friction with the outside part. Maybe sand between them

Standard mechanical practice.
If something is exposed to dirt, use oil not grease.
Grease hold the dirt.

Rereading the OP, if your needle is "buried" or flopping, that indicates a bad unit to me.
Or maybe a dirty unit.
As you my know, there is a close tolerance clearance between the magnetic coupling and the driven item.
Dirt gets in there or the clearance gets wonky.
It catches and flops the needle.
A cable either spins or it doesn't.