Speedometer needle jumps while driving.

SSsssteamer

SSsssteamer

Well-known member
On my 1957 Skyliner, the speedometer needle jumps back and forth at about 5 mph at 50 MPH. At 70 mph, the needle jumps back and forth about 10 MPH. I have removed the speedo cable and housing. Cleaned them up like new, greased the cable with a light chassis grease, and after reassembly, it didn't help much. Apparently the speedometer must need lubrication? It there any quick fix? My neighbor has a 1957 Sunliner with the same problem. I would hate to pull the dashboard out to get the speedometer out but I will do what has to be done. Please help.
 
I had a similar post on this same thing a few months ago. Here is the link.
http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=71186

It ended up being a problem with the speedo mechanism in the instrument cluster. It was PACKED with grease and dirt. I took it out and cleaned it in solvent, then re-lubed it with 3-in-1 oil. Now it works fine.

You dont need to pull the entire dashboard out to remove the speedo. Just remove the instrument cluster and pull the speedo out of the back of the instrument cluster.
Be very careful NOT to allow solvent to come in contact with the plastic needle during cleaning. I think I used a tuna fish can or something like that and bent the edges of the can to dip the speedo mechanism in. A close inspection should reveal stubborn grime after soaking. I used a spray can of gumout carb cleaner to blow out the stubborn grime. I think I used aluminum foil to cover up the plastic needle while spraying the gumout. It all worked out well.
 
Thank you Dave. :) I read the previous speedometer postings and it looks like I have an under dashboard experience coming up again. :( Any one have a magic wand that I cold borrow for a quick speedometer fix?
 
It may sound funny, but I have found that removing the steering wheel makes it easier to work on the dash and speedo. Just put a bit of rag over the spline end
Regards
 
rick55 said:
It may sound funny, but I have found that removing the steering wheel makes it easier to work on the dash and speedo. Just put a bit of rag over the spline end
Regards
Click to expand...

I have done it both ways. The only real value to removing the wheel is that it gives plenty of room to disconnect the wiring from the back of the instrument cluster from above after getting the instrument cluster out. If you do it that way, be sure to throw a big towel over the steering column so you can "rest" the cluster on top of the column. You need to keep it centered and balanced there while removing the wires. It's way better than doing all that hanging upside down under the dash.
 
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