1985 Caprice leaks at speedometer cable

Anyone replace their speedo cable? Mine leaks everywhere and the speedomoeter actually fluctuates rapidly when I drive. It leaks so much fluid I cant drive the car anymore.

I had to replace my spedo cable a while back for my '85 Caprice, but there was no fluid in it and if I remember right it had graphite in it for lubrication -- perhaps this isn't normal either? I'm not a mechanic and wish I could be more help; if I were to guess I would guess that something is wrong with the transmission and that tranny fluid is leaking into the cable...

What does the fluid look like or smell like? Is it a dark brown or red? More details would help; also when did the problem start? Does the transmission have any known issues?

The cable is not designed to seal oil in.
It's the speedo drive gear in the transmission tailstock that does the sealing.... and I think thats where your leak originates.

Anyone replace their speedo cable? Mine leaks everywhere and the speedomoeter actually fluctuates rapidly when I drive. It leaks so much fluid I cant drive the car anymore.

the as mentioned tail shaft area of your transmission needs a O ring,,,where the cable is mounted...this is a small cost fix...I think one fastener and one O ring....

with this leaking usually the other seals must be leaking....

Thanks all for responding. I took the car in a had the front, rear and speedo seals replaced. No more leaking!

Thanks all for responding. I took the car in a had the front, rear and speedo seals replaced. No more leaking!

thats what I thought,,,it was not that expensive a fix..usually..

with this type of transmission and age ..I use a product called transmedic..I have a few 12 oz bottles for tranny leaks...

recently my sons manual 5speed tranny had leaks all over...not large but did leave spots on the pavement..one oz/quart of capacity...no more leaks after a few days...with automatic transmissions the use of this at every fluid replacement has prevented any of my vehicles from leaking over 100,000's of miles...


once these seals start splitting though its time to replace...

If your speedo needle is still bouncing, you will need to disassemble and lube your speedo cable.