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Topic: Lubed the Upper Speedo Cable

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Lubed the Upper Speedo Cable (1/21)
12/30/07 6:47pm

dwright
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Victor, NY - USA

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2004 Commemorative Edition Coupe, Auto w/HUD. 13K miles in 2015. Sold 1982 Red Coupe

Joined: 7/12/2004
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Although I replaced my lower speedometer cable (I have cruise control, so there are upper and lower cables) last month, the speedometer was still bouncing, so I figured I should lube the upper cable.

I had purchased an upper cable, incase it needed to be replaced, but it is too long.

So I started by removing the cover below the steering column.

Four screws plus the screw that holds the headlight manual valve to the cover.

Next I removed the vent ductwork.

No screws. It just pulls out.

Now would have been a good time to remove the driver seat, but I decided I could crawl under the dash and see what was needed. That was probably a bad decision, but I crawled under and took a peek anyway.

You should see where the cable plugs into the back of the speedometer. You should also see a small metal spring clip.

All you need to do is depress the clip and pull the cable straight back. Sounds simple, but the cable is stiff, the space is cramped and your hands are too big.

I finally got it by pulling on the cable.

I think it might have been easier if I had removed the other end of the cable first.

Again, tight quarters to get at the connector. I had to use channel locks to get it loose, then reach my hand down in there to remove it.

Again, a stiff cable makes it difficult to get it out.

When I removed the inner cable from the end under the dash, I could see that it was in good shape, just needed some lube. I used white grease, sparingly on the cable and then slid it back into the cable jacket.

I slipped the end under the dash back onto the speedometer and then connected the other end back to the cruise control transducer.

It now runs smooth as glass. I put the duct back in place and put the cover back on.

2-3 hours, scrapped knuckles, sore back and we are done.

It might have been easier if I dropped the steering column, but I don't know.

I think next time I will take the seat out. Ouch

Ouch

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Lubed the Upper Speedo Cable (2/21)
12/30/07 6:58pm

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Flanders, NJ - USA

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1982 Black, ZZ4, Hooker Side Pipes, 3.55 Rear, Rebuilt & upgraded 700R4, All new suspension, brakes, & new Charcoal interior.

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That's great Dave, and since you're the leader of our pack, we can be sure we will not be speeding Rolling%20On%20The%20Floor%20Laughing

Rolling%20On%20The%20Floor%20Laughing

Dave

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Lubed the Upper Speedo Cable (3/21)
12/30/07 7:04pm

crossfire1982
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Cramerton, NC - USA

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black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion

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Thanks for posting that Dave. My speedo bounces too and Ive lubed the upper end at the transducer but not the speedo end. At least now I know what Im looking at when... and if I can wiggle under the dash. I think I may remove the seat to begin with.

Lubed the Upper Speedo Cable (4/21)
12/30/07 7:25pm

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After seeing this one,I think the best idea is,when in doubt,yank the seat out LOL

LOL

LOL

,I've been gonna change all the bulbs in the dash and cluster and everywhere else,I bought one of those complete bulb kits back in midsummer,and still ai'nt got around to doin it Shocked

Shocked

.The first thing I'm gonna do is pull the seat and drop the steering wheel Thumbs%20Up

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Lubed the Upper Speedo Cable (5/21)
12/30/07 10:54pm

KDADDY79
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Dutchess County, NY - USA

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White '79 Corvette. It's a driver.

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DWRIGHT,

Thanks for posting those pictures.

It sounds like you are getting a lot of work done on your Vette.

P.S. How'd it go with the exhaust install?

Lubed the Upper Speedo Cable (6/21)
12/31/07 9:21am

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Duncanville, TX - USA

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#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas

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NICE photo werk there, Dave!!

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Lubed the Upper Speedo Cable (7/21)
12/31/07 9:29am

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Nice work Dave! Let me guess you were a little sore in a few places the next day huh?

So far I haven't had that problem but I will be looking into why my tach doesn't work in the future. My guess is it is the printboard.

That will be a good time for the seat removal and the chiropractic act of lubing the speedo cable.

Thanks for the pics and words of advice. I am sure they will come in handy. Who knows maybe even reduce my use of the French language during the entire process.... naw.... probally not.... Thanks!

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Lubed the Upper Speedo Cable (8/21)
12/31/07 10:36am

dwright
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Victor, NY - USA

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2004 Commemorative Edition Coupe, Auto w/HUD. 13K miles in 2015. Sold 1982 Red Coupe

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[QUOTE=KDADDY79]DWRIGHT,

Thanks for posting those pictures.

It sounds like you are getting a lot of work done on your Vette.

P.S. How'd it go with the exhaust install?

[/QUOTE]

Put the exhaust in last weekend.

Other than laying on my back on the creeper and kissing the gunk on the underside of the car, and wrestling the pipes into place, it was a piece of cake. They look great and sound great too.

Can't wait to get her out on the road.

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Lubed the Upper Speedo Cable (9/21)
1/13/08 12:06am

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San Antonio, TX - USA

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1972 Red Corvette 350 4-speed coupe

Joined: 10/2/2006
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Thanks for the info Dave. I have been wanting to grease my cable, makes lots of annoying squeaking when I'm driving. I have a 72, don't know if it will be similar to greasing the cable in your car, but I'm giving it a try tomorrow afternoon, but before Dallas beats the Giants.

alex

Lubed the Upper Speedo Cable (10/21)
1/13/08 12:47am

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Duncanville, TX - USA

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You'll have the same fun doing the '72 as Dave did on his '82...can you say "Advil"?

There are some minor differences in the trim that has to come off, but Dave's procedure is good for all of the Shark cars.

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Lubed the Upper Speedo Cable (11/21)
1/13/08 9:56am

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HOWELL, NJ - USA

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1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.

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Thanks for posting this Dave. Mine works smooth until about 80 MPH and then starts to float. Did you use one on them doohickies they sell in the catalogs to grease the cable?

HEY RON -when you do your dash bulbs, buy a few spare bulb sockets beforehand as some of them may be beyond their useful life. I did mine and half the bulbs were still either out or dim. Used new sockets and problem cured!

Paul

Lubed the Upper Speedo Cable (12/21)
1/13/08 12:28pm

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Hey Paul,thanks for that tip, Thumbs%20Up

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Lubed the Upper Speedo Cable (13/21)
1/13/08 6:32pm

dwright
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Victor, NY - USA

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2004 Commemorative Edition Coupe, Auto w/HUD. 13K miles in 2015. Sold 1982 Red Coupe

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[QUOTE=LukesVette]Thanks for posting this Dave. Mine works smooth until about 80 MPH and then starts to float. Did you use one on them doohickies they sell in the catalogs to grease the cable?

Paul

[/QUOTE]

I took the inner cable out to lube it. That way I knew I had the right amount.

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Lubed the Upper Speedo Cable (14/21)
1/13/08 7:09pm

Lynne73
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Easton, PA - USA

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1973 Coupe 350 Auto.T-Tops L48,65450 miles.

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My speedo cable was a little noisy. I was going to buy one of those doohickey things but after I seen a picture of in a Vette magazine I made one.Take an old speedo housing out of a Chevy trans, take the gear off, knock the center out, drill and tap for a grease fitting.Take your speedo cable or tach cable off screw it on the housing and pump grease through . Only takes 1-2 pumps.

Dave

Re: Lubed the Upper Speedo Cable (15/21)
5/13/12 12:07pm

kwoody
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Tucson, AZ - USA

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1982 Black/Tan Leather Build Code C09E Bronze TTop CrossFire Fuel Injection L83 85 Fuel Pump Auto Axle 2.72 Firestone Firehawk Indy500

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Hi Dave,

Thanks for this post. I have had the trouble with the bouncing spedo needle at low speeds. I replaced the cruise control transducer years ago and then replaced the lower cable a few days later. The lower cable fixed the problem.

Fast Forward a few years thousands of miles, my speedometer stops working. So, I got a lower cable and replaced it. There was no change. I replaced the cruise control transducer and still no needle movement.
I am going to replace the upper cable next. The service manual says to remove the cluster to get at the cable. I think I'll try your method first.

The missing speed signal to the ECM seems not to change the performance noticeably. The car still runs pretty well.

Thanks again for the pictures and the post.

Keith

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Re: Lubed the Upper Speedo Cable (16/21)
5/13/12 12:16pm

dwright
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Victor, NY - USA

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2004 Commemorative Edition Coupe, Auto w/HUD. 13K miles in 2015. Sold 1982 Red Coupe

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Keith,

I'm glad you dug up this oldie but goodie. Brings back fond memories.

Let us know how you make out.

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Re: Lubed the Upper Speedo Cable (17/21)
5/14/12 8:49am

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Indianapolis, IN - USA

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Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses. 2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible

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I have had to mess with my speedo more times than I would like to count (and I'm STILL having troubles!). The number one thing I've determined is to HIRE OUT! You need 2 hands and as Dave noted, there's barely room for one.

On a separate topic (those who have been to gatherings with me will get this), Alex has given us the official first quote on the list for this year! I won't repeat it here, but re-read some things and you may catch it

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Re: Lubed the Upper Speedo Cable (18/21)
5/14/12 10:40pm

ceastham1
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greer, SC - USA

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C(6-5+2)VR - 1964 convertible 327/365 & 2003 convertible - 50th Anniversary Edition & 2010 3LT Coupe

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first quote !!!!

hmmm ... we may have to bring in the judges ... check the date !

|UPDATED|5/14/2012 7:40:16 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

Re: Lubed the Upper Speedo Cable (19/21)
5/24/12 12:43am

kwoody
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Tucson, AZ - USA

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1982 Black/Tan Leather Build Code C09E Bronze TTop CrossFire Fuel Injection L83 85 Fuel Pump Auto Axle 2.72 Firestone Firehawk Indy500

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Hello All,

Life intervened for a while. I'm back on track in the garage now. I loosened all of the screws holding in the left side of the dash. I removed the bottom panels under the steering column and removed the AC duct.
I positioned the driver's seat as low as possible. I was able to get upside down in the seat and got to the clip at the rear of the speedo where the upper speedo cable goes into the unit. Got the clip off and pulled the cable and the feed through out of the car. So far so good.

Update: The cable went in pretty smoothly. Having the speedo and tach loose I think, helped. It was just enough that I could push forward on the assy while holding the cable in the back and it snapped into place. I had a little trouble getting the front end of the cable in the cruise module but, it went eventually.

The replacement cable I got from O' Reiley's was 41" long and the upper that came out of the car was 21".
I ordered the correct part from Factory Motor Parts and it came in yesterday. The part number of the Upper Speedo Cable w/cruise control is: ACDelco 88959470 and was $32.

The speedo needle bounces slightly under 5 mph but, works smoothly through the entire range of speeds.
So, this method works fine.
Thanks Dave.
All the best from Tucson. Wish I could have made the Gathering. Maybe next year.
Keith

|UPDATED|5/23/2012 9:43:17 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

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Re: Lubed the Upper Speedo Cable (20/21)
5/24/12 12:37pm

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Duncanville, TX - USA

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ceastham1 said: hmmm ... we may have to bring in the judges ... check the date !

I agree...Marshall.....what you referenced is, like, 4 years old....a little too long ago to be included in this year's list... LOL

LOL

The upper speedo cables in these cars are simply a pita..period. The easiest way I have found is to remove the top dash pad...and the seat. Then you might have enough room to get to the cable end clip without cutting a finger off....

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Re: Lubed the Upper Speedo Cable (21/21)
5/25/12 7:23am

dwright
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Victor, NY - USA

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2004 Commemorative Edition Coupe, Auto w/HUD. 13K miles in 2015. Sold 1982 Red Coupe

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While driving to and from the Gathering this year I noticed a little bounce on the needle when going less than 5 mph. Above 5 she is smooth.

Should I relube my cable?

So now we have to be careful of what we type or Marshall will be taking us out of context and posting somewhere else? Embarrassed

Embarrassed

Are we allowed to go back and edit? Ouch

Ouch

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