My speedometer cable is squeaking so I'm ready to re-lube and quiet it down. I have a question for those that have done this.

I was able to unscrew the fitting at the transmission tail housing. My question is....can I remove the entire cable and pull it out of the sheath at this point? I tried, but the cable seemed to have a stop on it and didn't pull out. I'm really trying to avoid the dashboard contortionist thing. 1973 4-speed coupe.

 

It won't come out of the sheath, but you might be able to pull the cable up to the engine compartment and lube it from there.

 

You can push this clip while someone pulls the cable from under the hood.

 

Good idea...I'll give that a try.

 

I would just replace it, they're not that expensive...

Just my $.02

 

The cable will only come out of the sheath from the top side. You have to disconnect it from the speedo head [via that 'push' clip], then bring down to floor level to remove cable there....or you can pull the cable/sheath through the access hole in the firewall to get it outside the passenger compartment. Doing it from inside is much easier, as it may be a bit difficult to get it fed back into the dash area properly.

You should remove and wipe down the cable completely with lacquer thinner, gasoline, mineral spirits, etc. Check cable for any areas that are damaged or 'unwound'; that would indicate an internal rubbing problem which would require a new cable to fix properly. If cable looks OK, just put some graphite powdered lubricant on it, slide it back into the sheath and reinstall.

If there is oil or grease on the cable when you pull it out, that stuff will have to be removed before you lube and reinstall. Pull the cable/sheath out of the car and pour something through the sheath to clear out any grease or oil (lacquer thinner, gasoline, spirits....). If transmission oil is getting into that cable sheath, you will need to pull the speedo drive gear housing and re-seal it (O-ring, etc) so that it won't leak oil into the cable area.

Good luck.