speedometer cable

[fricker66]

Last week I posted a topic on a curious noise I was hearing from the driver's side footwell. A couple replies later and the conclusion was a bad speedometer cable. Well, over the weekend this conclusion was confirmed as my wife and I took a trip on I-70. Around 75-80 mph, the speedometer would bounce around anywhere from 70-85. Since the problem is confirmed and I've run the searches on replacing the cable, I'm left with two questions: Where should I purchase a cable from when the original finally breaks? Autozone, etc? Also, as it's a two piece cable, should I wait for it to break or replace immediately?

As always, any suggestions are welcomed. Thanks!

 

[AutoXSHO]

I tried the local Napa/PepBoys/Autozone and nobody had one - "dealer only" they said. YMMV. I got both cables from the dealer assuming they were the cause - it turns out the PO probably had the same idea because both cables were already new. I guess I should have checked that.

The speedometer itself had worn out. There is an input bushing that can get dirty and run dry, which is what actually happened. Hopefully your problem is just the cables.

John V

 

[sdpatt]

It is usually the upper cable that wears out. The transmission end is held in place by a simple clip. The dash end has a press-to release clip that is tough to access without removing hte instrument cluster. If you inspect the new cable's clip, you may be able to unclip it without removing the dash. Otherwise, the panel mst be removed. That in itself is not tough, just more work than unclipping the cable.

 

[Darkside]

My 91' has been doing it for a while now, and I'm lazy and waiting for it completely go.

On a sidenote, a question for ya Scott. My 94' seems to make a similar noise, just not as pronounced. Did they still have cables in 94'? What year did they stop with the cables?

 

[sdpatt]

All Gen Is and Gen IIs had cables. I haven't touched a Gen III so I don't know about those.

Scott

 

[Darkside]

Thanks Scott! At least I know what is making the noise in the 94'.

 

[viperrt450]

i just bought the whole insturment cluster from a junkyard for $40. How hard is it to get the old one out and install the new one?

 

[DavidBGano]

For what its worth, the local Ford dealer told me that Ford has discontinued the speedo cables for the SHO. I asked if that meant I was F_cked... and the parts guy at Friendly Ford just grinned and nodded.

SO, I made him find me one in Maine and had to pay extra to get it here to Michigan.

I have it still, in its original (crappy) Ford container, and I have yet to use it.

It turns out that before they got the cable to the local dealer I was able to find a junked SHO at the local boneyard and I removed the speedo and cable from it. I elected to use the bale and speedo I rec'd from the junkyard and keep the new one in case.

Further, the speedo's in SHO's simply go out after a while, and replacing the cable w/o replacing the speedo did nothing to improve my old speedo. So, best bet is to find a replacement speedo at the junkyard... unless you are uncommonly wealthy and enjoy being bent over at the dealer parts counter!! eek!

 

[sdpatt]

The speedometer in the SHOs had only two problems that I know of and they were both lubrication related. The most common is the scratching sound and wavering needle due to the upper cable that is scheduled to be re-lubed every 30,000 miles by my Owner's Guide. Speedometer cable **** is assigned to this application. The second is the shaft bearings on the speedo itself that cause the needle to stick at certain speeds. A drop of light machine oil on the bearings will remedy that problem.

 

[AutoXSHO]

I had the same problem from a local Ford dealer regarding a different part. The part numbers have changed is the only problem - the parts are still being made and you can get them.

I found the parts from a more reputable source (SHONut). I then called the dealer and informed them they need to upgrade their parts number reference software.

Bottom line, the speedo cables are still made.

John V

 

[Catfishphillip]

Many autoparts stores sell speedometer cable kits in the 'help parts' section. It comes in two lengths - long, and really long. They're inexpensive and replace the inner cable - you cut it to fit and install the drive tip yourself: it's very simple and easy. Just **** it with atf or white lithium grease and slip it into the cable housing, and get both ends seated. I've done this on several cars over the years. If the cable housing is fine, why replace it? A considerate parts guy should honestly suggest this low-price solution to you!

 

[mhodzic]

I had the same problem on mine. It would bounce up and down at speeds higher than 35mph. It tourned out it was the bad shaft bearing on the spedo. It also made the scraching noise. Replaced the bearing and it works fine now.

 

[clintonk]

mhodzic, what bearing did you use and where did you get it? Do you have manufacturer and part numbers? I need to do this to both of my SHOs, so I'd really appreciate more details.

TIA,
Clinton Knight
'90 White 182K
'95 Green 49K