Screaming Speedometer

Chris Van

Chris Van

Member
Hi Boffins

My speedometer has developed a scream like a model airplane engine has been started inside my car. I disconnected the cable from the speedo and the noise has stopped. I took the speedo out and took off its cover but can see nothing visibly wrong. Any ideas on what is causing this awful noise? I desperatly want my speedo working again, and noiselessly. Thanks a bunch.
 
You can connect a drill to the speedometer where the cable goes in and spin it in the forward direction to see if the noise is the unit. If not it is the cable doing something strange.
 
Over the years, the lubricant used in these speedos at the time of manufacture has dried out. A little wear will also have happened, causing a shaft to rattle in its bush. I quietened one of my speedos by using a little penetrating oil sparingly at the right places. I figured it would find its way into the bearing and soften the old grease. Whether my thinking was right or wrong, I can now hear the other noises.:D Concentrate on the components driving the spinning magnet.
I'm not an expert on these instruments like others here so I too will be interested in the replies you get.
 
What syncro 909 says:

Mine screamed too, till I added a few drops of oil to the input shaft. Good luck!

Roger.
 
Mine had a 'clicking' noise.
Tried cable lube-no help.
I replaced the speedo cable, & cable housing.
No more noise.
Try the above or try another speedo unit.

Loubob
 
Hi Loubob. I have already replaced the cable, and the noise continues. The speedo is original and in outwardly superb condition and both the odo and the speedo work fine so am loathe to replace it until I have exhausted all other avenues.
 
I'd take the speedometer apart just enough to oil each shaft gear and bushing. Remove the oval cover and clean out the old hard grease and add some oil and grease. I did mine over 20 years ago, and it's still working fine. You don't need to take it down as far as the 4th picture. That one just shows a speedometer I bought with a broken shaft.

I need to get my old computer out to find my pictures, as these are too small to be much good.
 

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Inside my speedo, the pot metal had swelled & seized the vertical bronze shaft. I drilled some 1/16" holes in the pot metal, oiled it, spun it CCW, slowly with a drill motor & it finally freed up.
If you can't find a LOCAL speedo repair shop, call a local Truck Repair Shop for recommendations.--SAME thing, when lookin' for GOOD Radiator Shops.
Bill Hopethishelps
 
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