I did a search, but didn't find a definitive answer. While driving, the speedometer needle fluctuates about 10mph up/down. IOW, if I think I'm going 40mph, the needle "bounces" between about 30mph and 40mph. Is this a cable issue, speedo cluster issue, or something where the cable connects to the tranny?
You might be getting some cable bind, which can cause the cable to wind up and release like a torsional spring. Lithium grease is a popular cable lube, might just take care of it. Devon
Change the cable housing. Mine did the same thing. A brand new cable and housing cleared it right up. I guess the plastic tube wears out and binds up the cable. Chris
Thanks for the replies, Devon and Chris! I do think I have a extra cable in my spare parts closet We'll see how it goes.
HOLD ON!! I had the same problem. An ole' boy at the parts store told me as long as the sheathing or the cable itself isn't damaged, you can spray those out with brake cleaner and then coat it with white lithium grease. These were made to be maintenanced. :grin: It took a bit to get the inside coated well, but mine works fine now.
I had an old Camaro that did the same thing, fixed by popping off the cable and adding a little "liquid graphite." Still have the tube in the toolbox.
I tend to stay away from the graphite. My uncle worked for Martin Marietta building the space shuttle. He told me the stuff's good for the short term, but will eventually gum up and more problems that its worth. My app. was just for a door lock. Idk what it will do under speedo cable use. But hey, if it works.. Of course, my 'Lark doesn't move like the shuttle, even though I'd like it too! :bglasses:
Surprise, I just picked up my '65 Skylark 4 door out of storage today where it has been since November and it was doing the needle bounce thing pretty good on the way home. With a similar problem a few years ago on my '65 hardtop, I tried the clean and relube thing but it began making a clicking noise that was driving me crazy. I finally just replaced the whole cable. No more problems! Today, I stopped at my local Carquest and after convincing him that Buick really did make cars back in the 1960's he found a complete inner and outer cable for under $16! Of course, I do have to wait until Monday to get it. Given the low cost for replacement, I won't waste time R & R ing the old one, especially with my past experience with that. I would suspect that yours would be very similar if not the same cable. Rufus
I first tried lubrication, then replacing just the cable. The needle still bounced around. Finally, I changed out the cable housing. The needle then operated properly. I bought the new cable/housing from a supplier listed in Hemmings (can't remember who it was). Chris
