Speedometer cable lubricating

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Dec 23, 2007 | 10:26 AM

chucktn

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From: Oakland Tn

Speedometer cable lubricating

I want to lube the speedometer cable and check the gear on my 77 and in looking it appears that I may have to remove the crossmember to get to the end of the cable at the tranny. Got a couple of questions.
1. Is that correct in having to remove the crossmember?
2. If I do have to remove or slide back the crossmember is there any concern about body flexing and the need for support.

Hollar out if there is an easier way to do this.

Dec 23, 2007 | 10:31 AM

Jud Chapin

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From: Wellington, FL

St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25

I lubed my '76 speedo cable (automatic tranny) a while back and the job was quite easy. Removing the gear from the tranny shouldn't involve moving the crossmember assuming it's an automatic. I don't know about a 4-speed. It is located on the left side and can be easily accessed.

Dec 23, 2007 | 10:43 AM

CA-Legal-Vette

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From: Scottsdale Arizona

I don't think that you have to remove the crossmember. As posted above, the connector is on the driver's side of the tranny. The connector can be a little awkward to get at and loosen. As I recall, channel locks did the job for me.

You do not and will not be able to slide back the crossmember. You will have to support the tranny though if you remove it. Otherwise, it will lower and break your distributor, fan shroud, engine mounts.....

Dec 23, 2007 | 10:50 AM

chucktn

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From: Oakland Tn

Speedometer cable lube

Thanks for the quick response. I'll slide back under there and take another look. Glad to hear it's not as bad as I thought.

Dec 23, 2007 | 11:19 AM

Jud Chapin

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From: Wellington, FL

St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25

Keep in mind that you will not be able to pull the cable out from the tranny end (non cruise control). It must be taken out from the dash end. If you are going to do this, the best way imo is to remove the driver seat and the a/c duct work blocking access to the rear of the speedo. You will then have ample room to disconnect the cable by depressing the clip holding the cable housing to the speedo. Good luck!

Dec 23, 2007 | 11:38 AM

chucktn

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From: Oakland Tn

speedometer cable lube

Jud, from what I have read I should only lube the lower 1/4 of the cable so if I understand you correctly you are saying pull the cable out totally from the dash end and lube the lower end.

Dec 23, 2007 | 11:48 AM

Jud Chapin

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From: Wellington, FL

St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25

I gave my cable a small amount of lube up to a few inches from the end going into speedo according to instructions I read. All is fine and the noise from the cable's dryness is gone. I have never seen anything regarding just lubing the lower quarter of the cable. But you are correct in that the cable must be removed from the speedo end. There is a piece on the end of the cable preventing it from being pull thru from the tranny end. Again, I'm talking no Cruise Control here. I don't know how they are set up.

Dec 23, 2007 | 11:53 AM

chucktn

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From: Oakland Tn

77 Speedometer lube

I don't have cruise either so this should work for me. The reason they say to only lube the lower end is that the cable turns in reverse and forces the lube up into the face of the speedometer. I'm going to give your way a shot. thanks