speedometer cable lubricant

[eats1963]

Over the weekend I replaced the instrument cluster in my newly aquired 1996 Windstar. I thought after reading a few posts on here that replacing the unit would have fixed my bouncing needle. Alas, it has not. After reaching speeds of approx. 50MPH, the needle still bounces almost 10MPH in either direction.
Does the speedometer cable need some type of lubrication? If so, what is the recommended lubricant?
Is there anything else that could be causing the needle to behave so irradically?

[LeSabre97mint]

Eats963

I had to replace the speedometer on my 95 because a bearing in the speedo head had gone out causing the needle to bounce very simular to what you described. The previous owner was told that the bouncing was caused by the lower speedo cable (it's a two piece) binding. I replaced the lower part when I had the heads off doing a headgasket job.

You know....the replacement speedo head could also be bad.

To answer your question.. I would use a lightweight lithuim grease for the speedo cable.

Regards

Dan

[mbrock307]

Originally Posted by LeSabre97mint

Eats963


To answer your question.. I would use a lightweight lithuim grease for the speedo cable.

The best thing to use is regular old bearing grease... the brown stuff that comes in a can. NEVER use graphite! Lightweight lithium may not cause you any problems, but it is not the recommended lube.

Just My 2 Cents