Speedometer cable lubricant
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 331
Likes: 15
From: Las Vegas
Speedometer cable lubricant
I just put a new speedometer cable and new gear and new bullet. Speedometer is still not working. Question. Are you supposed to lubricate the new speedometer cable? And if so, what would you guys suggest I use that I could buy from Lowe’s or Home Depot? The cable does turn freely when I hook it up to a drill, but it’s just not working when everything is put together. I’m hoping it’s not my gear in the tranny. The old speedometer cable was working, but it was bouncing around. But it was also loose where the cable went into the bullet. thank you guys for all your help. I’ll be running up to Lowe’s here in a little while or Home Depot so let me know what you guys use that I can buy there thanks.
Old Fart Pilot
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,953
Likes: 1,029
From: Spokane, WA
I wouldn't imagine that a home building supply store would carry such a thing. Why are you limited to just them? Aren't there any auto parts stores like NAPA, Auto Zone or O'Reilly's near you? Amazon also has lots of options...
Last edited by nwav8tor; Jun 15, 2025 at 12:26 AM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 331
Likes: 15
From: Las Vegas
The reason why I was asking about Lowe’s is because I had to go there anyway for something else
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 905
Likes: 569
From: Central NJ
Gary, I think I would follow Wilcox's advice, what you have may be better than nothing but it's not recommended. Back in the day we used powdered graphite, I still have it somewhere. Ace hardware carries it, CRC has a spray can...Google is your friend,,, While its necessary to lube a new cable I sort of doubt its going to make yours work suddenly...
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 331
Likes: 15
From: Las Vegas
Gary, I think I would follow Wilcox's advice, what you have may be better than nothing but it's not recommended. Back in the day we used powdered graphite, I still have it somewhere. Ace hardware carries it, CRC has a spray can...Google is your friend,,, While its necessary to lube a new cable I sort of doubt its going to make yours work suddenly...
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Brett Foote
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,783
Likes: 2,598
OK I’ll look for some powdered graphite then. Thank you. The only other thing it can be would be the drive gear in the tail housing. I’m gonna double check to make sure it spins. It might’ve moved back or the clip might’ve fell off but it looks like it’s intact so I don’t know I’ll find out. Thank you for your help.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 4,761
Likes: 1,648
From: Fairfax Virginia
The White Lithium is good stuff until it gets cold, then it becomes thick and uncooperative, a very bad idea.
Dry Graphite is great stuff Unless it sticks to the petroleum based lubricant already in the protective cover and turns into gunk of the worst kind. Very hard to clean out once things get mixed up... ask me How I know about this?
After doing a couple searches the newer cars are using a lot of Graphite it would seem. This is fine as long as it doesn't "climb" into the speedometer gears and gum things up. Maybe a small O-ring on the speedometer cable to keep the graphite out.
Being a Motorcyclist I also have the standard Cable lube which is rated for use on speedometer cables.
It would appear the best replacement might be the following stuff: https://atpautomotive.com/speedometer-lubricant
They claim it is sold in a lot of stores nationwide. After this research I would use this on my speedometer cables as it is made just for this purpose!
Dry Graphite is great stuff Unless it sticks to the petroleum based lubricant already in the protective cover and turns into gunk of the worst kind. Very hard to clean out once things get mixed up... ask me How I know about this?
After doing a couple searches the newer cars are using a lot of Graphite it would seem. This is fine as long as it doesn't "climb" into the speedometer gears and gum things up. Maybe a small O-ring on the speedometer cable to keep the graphite out.
Being a Motorcyclist I also have the standard Cable lube which is rated for use on speedometer cables.
It would appear the best replacement might be the following stuff: https://atpautomotive.com/speedometer-lubricant
They claim it is sold in a lot of stores nationwide. After this research I would use this on my speedometer cables as it is made just for this purpose!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 331
Likes: 15
From: Las Vegas
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 8,336
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From: Cool Northern Michigan
White Lithium Grease is wonderful . . . . . .
for door and hood hinges.
If it gets hot it will turn yellow and harden.
Never use thin lubes on the speedo. The way the inner cable is made is actually like an auger. That keeps the entire cable lubed.
But if you use oil, that will find its way into the back of the speedometer / odometer cluster / gearing. Not good.
Hopps Gun Grease. Takes the heat, not runny, will not "wick".
for door and hood hinges.
If it gets hot it will turn yellow and harden.
Never use thin lubes on the speedo. The way the inner cable is made is actually like an auger. That keeps the entire cable lubed.
But if you use oil, that will find its way into the back of the speedometer / odometer cluster / gearing. Not good.
Hopps Gun Grease. Takes the heat, not runny, will not "wick".
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 331
Likes: 15
From: Las Vegas
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 331
Likes: 15
From: Las Vegas
I don’t know I don’t have the old cable. I just have a new cable hooked up. I know the cable is good. I just didn’t grease it. I guess you’re supposed to grease the cable which I didn’t know. When I hook a drill up to the cable, it moves the speedometer. So I’m gonna try to grease the cable and see what happens. Everything is new except for the gear in the tail housing. But I’m sure that’s OK. at least it looks OK. It could only be a few things that would make this happen. I’ll figure it out. Thank you.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,783
Likes: 2,598
I don’t know I don’t have the old cable. I just have a new cable hooked up. I know the cable is good. I just didn’t grease it. I guess you’re supposed to grease the cable which I didn’t know. When I hook a drill up to the cable, it moves the speedometer. So I’m gonna try to grease the cable and see what happens. Everything is new except for the gear in the tail housing. But I’m sure that’s OK. at least it looks OK. It could only be a few things that would make this happen. I’ll figure it out. Thank you.
I am trying to get you to check if the new gear you installed is engaged with the gear on the output shaft.
Since you don't have the old cable use something else to try to turn the gear.
If it turns it's not engaged with the gear on the output shaft.
