Noisey speedo
 

The speedometer in my 46 makes a racket when it is cold, quiets down after 10 miles or so. I have it disconnected for now. Is there an easy lube fix in place, or do I have to pull it out? Thanks Rich

Re: Noisey speedo
 

mine did same thing when cold out i got lucky unscrewed from speedometer end carefully put cable back in tightened back up and hasnt done since and its been cold here in oh not only did it make noise but needle jumped with it.......

Re: Noisey speedo
 

A bit of sewing machine oil allowed to dribble down the speedometer end can help if it needs more lube. However, it could also be due to the cable being a bit too long in its sheath (or the cable ends not fully seated) which tends to bunchup/bind the cable and also result in a tick and/or an erratic needle particularly at low speeds.

Jack E/NJ

Re: Noisey speedo
 

The rotating magnet is a relatively close fit to the drag cup that is attached to the needle & spring. On older instruments with some wear on the bearings, the cup can drag against the magnet until things get warmed up and expanded to normal size. The bushings can also get noisy when they have been dry too long. Many of these old units have an oil wick that can be accessed and re-oiled if you know where to look for it.

Re: Noisey speedo
 

Here is a picture of a '35 Delco speedometer oil wick.

Tom

Re: Noisey speedo
 

Exactly. My guess id the bushing is dry. Oil will probably do wonders. Fords also have that wick hole. I remove the speedo, run it slowly with a battery drill and feed oil into the wick. Always seems to work for me.

Re: Noisey speedo
 

Re: Noisey speedo
 

I used 3 in 1 oil took while but quit noise after a couple days.

Re: Noisey speedo
 

Jack E, I think you had the answer. I put the cable back on the speedometer and left it a few turns shy of bottoming. Took it for a ride and it was absolutely silent. Thanks guys! Rich

Re: Noisey speedo
 

Pull the speedo out and remove it from the housing then lube it. It's not that big of a job. Then pull the cable from the housing and wipe it down with grease then slide it back in the housing.