Speed odometer cable removal:

**401KVet** · 03-07-11, 10:28 PM

1980 Corvette, no cruise. Could anyone please tell me what is the easiest way to removal and lube, or possilby replace the cable? It works fine, but making a noise. Going to lube or replace it if I can figure out how. lol
Thanks,

**lars** · 03-08-11, 11:01 AM

Disconnect the cable housing at the back of the speedometer by depressing the retaining clip and pulling it out. Then, pull the inner cable out of the housing, lube it, and stick it back in. Re-attach the cable housing to the speedometer by pressing it into position until it "clicks."

Lars

**401KVet** · 03-08-11, 11:37 AM

Originally Posted by lars

Disconnect the cable housing at the back of the speedometer by depressing the retaining clip and pulling it out. Then, pull the inner cable out of the housing, lube it, and stick it back in. Re-attach the cable housing to the speedometer by pressing it into position until it "clicks."

Lars

Do you have to take the dash out to get to the back of the speed odometer??

**TimAT** · 03-08-11, 06:55 PM

Depends on how big your hands are. I can reach up from the bottom and hit the catch with my finger, but I've done it enough I know what I'm feeling for. Easier with 2 people- one under the hood push the cable housing toward the speedo, one under the dash to push the retainer down, then to one outside pulls. Putting it back on is just a metter of guiding it back on and gently pressing until it clicks.

Follow the cable up to the back of the speedo- use a light and you might be able to see the connection.

**401KVet** · 03-08-11, 07:20 PM

That way may be a problem for me. What do you have to do to actually take the speedodometer out?? That should be easier to work with, but I don't now, right...
Thank You,

**minifridge1138** · 03-08-11, 10:24 PM

I have fairly large hands and I was able to reach it and disconnect it.
Definitely easier with a 2nd person wiggling it from under the hood.

I had more trouble reconnecting it.

Removing the speedometer is fairly easy, there just a few screws and some hex bolts that hold it in.

You'll need to disconnect the speedo cable from the transmission so you have enough slack to pull the gauge out far enough to disconnect it.

You could try lubing the cable from the transmission end and not worry about the speedo, but if you use too much it will get into the speedo.

Good luck!!!

**lars** · 03-08-11, 10:37 PM

Originally Posted by 401KVet

Do you have to take the dash out to get to the back of the speed odometer??

No. Remove the A/C duct running under the steering column. Remove the nuts holding the column up and let the column drop. You can then reach up behind the dash and disconnect the speedo cable. Just have a box of BandAids handy and a bottle of Jack Daniel's. No problem.

**401KVet** · 03-08-11, 11:02 PM

Originally Posted by lars

No. Remove the A/C duct running under the steering column. Remove the nuts holding the column up and let the column drop. You can then reach up behind the dash and disconnect the speedo cable. Just have a box of BandAids handy and a bottle of Jack Daniel's. No problem.

Thank You,

**401KVet** · 03-08-11, 11:07 PM

Originally Posted by minifridge1138

I have fairly large hands and I was able to reach it and disconnect it.
Definitely easier with a 2nd person wiggling it from under the hood.

I had more trouble reconnecting it.

Removing the speedometer is fairly easy, there just a few screws and some hex bolts that hold it in.

You'll need to disconnect the speedo cable from the transmission so you have enough slack to pull the gauge out far enough to disconnect it.

You could try lubing the cable from the transmission end and not worry about the speedo, but if you use too much it will get into the speedo.

Good luck!!!

I think I might give that a try first. Lubing it by disconnecting it from the transmission. By lubing it there, will the lube work it's way up to the top where I think the noise is coming from?? WD-40 ???
Thanks,

**lars** · 03-09-11, 09:28 AM

You can't get the cable lubed from the transmission (unless you flip the car upside-down to let the lube run up to the speedo head). The cable cannot be pulled out of the housing by disconnecting at the tranny.

No - you don't use WD40. You use speedo cable lube, available from NAPA or GM. The cable should be lightly coated by pulling the cable out of the housing and re-inserted. If there is any damage or kinks to the housing, the entire housing/cable assembly should be replaced.

Lars

**401KVet** · 03-09-11, 09:33 AM

Originally Posted by lars

You can't get the cable lubed from the transmission (unless you flip the car upside-down to let the lube run up to the speedo head). The cable cannot be pulled out of the housing by disconnecting at the tranny.

No - you don't use WD40. You use speedo cable lube, available from NAPA or GM. The cable should be lightly coated by pulling the cable out of the housing and re-inserted. If there is any damage or kinks to the housing, the entire housing/cable assembly should be replaced.

Lars

O Tay, Thanks again...

**TimAT** · 03-09-11, 10:14 PM

Originally Posted by lars

Just have a box of BandAids handy and a bottle of Jack Daniel's.

Most IMPORTANT part of the whole operation!

**SR'71** · 03-18-11, 07:34 PM

Originally Posted by lars

Disconnect the cable housing at the back of the speedometer by depressing the retaining clip and pulling it out. Then, pull the inner cable out of the housing, lube it, and stick it back in. Re-attach the cable housing to the speedometer by pressing it into position until it "clicks."

Lars

BINGO ........ 'believe same goes for the Tach