Speedometer fluctuation
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Joined: Jul 2013
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From: Yukon OK
Speedometer fluctuation
I was told that I could squirt some graphite onto the end of the cable but I'm not even sure which end to try that. The needle fluctuates badly. For example when on the hiway it bouces back and forth between 40-80mph.
Would some graphite help that or do I need to replace parts?
I apologize for basic type questions but I haven't been under the hood of a vette since about 1987.
Would some graphite help that or do I need to replace parts?
I apologize for basic type questions but I haven't been under the hood of a vette since about 1987.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 434
Likes: 3
From: Cleveland Ohio
It could be the cable, or the plastic gear in the transmission or the speedo not working correctly. Start with pulling the cable out of the trans and try to spin the cable by hand to check the cable. If it spins freely then the issue is the gear or the speedo.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,030
Likes: 363
From: Lubbock Texas
I was told that I could squirt some graphite onto the end of the cable but I'm not even sure which end to try that. The needle fluctuates badly. For example when on the hiway it bouces back and forth between 40-80mph.
Would some graphite help that or do I need to replace parts?
I apologize for basic type questions but I haven't been under the hood of a vette since about 1987.
Would some graphite help that or do I need to replace parts?
I apologize for basic type questions but I haven't been under the hood of a vette since about 1987.
If you take your speedometer cable out, you should be able to pull the inner cable out of the outer sleeve, lube it properly, reinsert and then test it with a drill to see if its smooth. You might need a new cable (or two). Some of our Vettes use a one piece cable. Others use a 2 piece. If you have cruise control, you have two different cables. I can't remember the differences in year models but one of the vendors could help. You might even find cables at a local Chevy dealer.
DC
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 86
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From: Yukon OK
I lubed both the upper and the lower cable but neither helped the issue. Also ran the cable with the drill and the needle remained steady. I completely replaced the speedometer cable and bypassed the cruise control. Now the speedometer needle is just as smooth as silk! I didn't need cruise anyway!
