Speedometer cable issue

Burgo Slammed & Awesome Dubber

87 posts · joined Dec 2008 · 29 Aug 2009, 8:05 pm

#732363

hey hey all,
I have just replaced the speedometer cable in my 74' L-bug, because the old one had snapped, and ive noticed its been making this whirring sound, and the needle in the speedometer has been pointing to the right speed but its wavering up and down around the point.

Any ideas whats wrong?
Thanks heaps all.

Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang

9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 · 29 Aug 2009, 9:03 pm

#732375

speedo is probably starting to sieze up

Sides Veteran Volks Folk

2,220 posts · joined May 2007 · 29 Aug 2009, 9:13 pm

#732377

I've had cables that are close to snapping give that sort of effect too.... did you replace with a new one, or just a used one from somewhere ???

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Burgo Slammed & Awesome Dubber

87 posts · joined Dec 2008 · 29 Aug 2009, 9:51 pm

#732385

It was brand new, German made as well 😀
Joel, what do you mean?

Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang

9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 · 30 Aug 2009, 7:27 am

#732418

theres alot of rotating parts inside the speedo that wear out or get tight after 35+ years

ive seen speedos that have had the inner workings seize up and jam then next thing the cables snap

tell tale sign is the moaning noise they make before hand
a good lubrication can usually fix the problem but to do it properly involves taking the face off the speedo which isnt a big job, just fiddly

bigdave Officially Full-On Dubber

329 posts · joined Aug 2006 · 5 Sep 2009, 8:08 am

#733514

Burgo i had the same problem awhile ago and just removed the speedo head and lightly oiled it - like Joel said.

Cheers
Dave

Burgo Slammed & Awesome Dubber

87 posts · joined Dec 2008 · 5 Sep 2009, 8:35 am

#733515

thanks all, i ended up removing it and the way i had put it in the last time had put a big kink in it, Now i just rethreaded it so it hasnt got that and oiled it, and its fine now
Thanks for the advice all.