I've got a noise in the dash (sounds like it's coming from right behind the steering wheel/gauges: it sounds like a something spinning) and read on here that it could be the speedometer or tach cable? My speedometer doesn't work right anyways. It bounces around some while driving. I'm assuming based on that that the noise would be the cable for that.
Any advice on fixing it?

 

it sounds like maybe the cable it starting to "Gum" up with old lube, you can disconnect the cable from behind the gauge (or at the cruise control unit if you have one), slide the cable out of the sheath, clean it with some good degreaser and lube it with some light oil, then slide it back in and hook it back up to the unit.

if you have cruise control, there will be two cables. one from the tranny to the cruise unit and one from the unit to the dash. do both the cables at the same time if you have two.

 

What kind of oil/grease do I need to use? And will I have to take much of the dash apart to get to it out?

 

DON'T put grease on that cable, you're just asking for more trouble when you really gum up the internals in your speedometer.

 

Do you have any advice on what TO use then?

 

First, do you have a copy of the Assembly Manual(AIM) for your vehicle to see how the parts go together/come apart? Highly recommended by everyone on the forum if you plan on working on your vehicle. I've heard of guys using a light graphite powder on the cable before inserting back into the sheath. You might be better to simply order a replacement cable from a vendor and replace the entire unit.


What I'd recommend first however, is to properly troubleshoot the problem. If your car has cruise control, and all of the system is intact, then your speedometer cable is actually two individual cables - an upper and lower. The upper connects from a transducer located in the left fender well to your speedometer head. The lower from the transducer to your transmission. No cruise, then simply one cable directly from tranny to speedo. Determine which setup you have then disconnect the cable that feeds the speedometer - either at transducer or tranny. Attach a cordless drill to the cable, run the drill in REVERSE and check the operation of your speedometer needle. If it bobs up and down, then the cable may be suspect, if it squeaks the cable may be suspect......if it's stable the problem may be on the transmission end. Check it out and report back with more info, so the guys here can help you logically troubleshoot. Good luck.