gauge cluster squeel

I have a 85 xj700n. When I first ride, the gauge cluster squeels badly. It also seems to only do it in the cold. The colder, the louder the squeel.I removed the cluster and used anti-seize (wonder lube as I am finding out) to lube all the gears I could get through on the speedo. I was unable to remove the gauge cover, I lubed everything I could reach through the back side when I removed the autocancellor and all accesories. I was unable to figure out how to remove the glass.It did no good. I am finding it hard to believe it is in the RPM gauge as it is electronic. The colder it is outside, the sooner it starts. If it is warmer out, 60 degrees or so, it takes longer to start squeeling. After riding for an amount of time depending on temperature it goes silent. It does not seem to affect anything operating correctly. Please, someone help, it is driving me crazy.

 

I probably not the gauges. The noise is more likely coming from the cable, itself.

You should try pulling the Speedo Cable -- cleaning both the cable and sheath. After getting the cable and the inside of the sheath douched-out good ... lube them both with a light machine oil. Marvel Mystery Oil.

That ought to take the squeal out of things!

 

Well, I finally got some down time on the bike and did a complete job on the cable. I took it off the bike,cleaned the cable and sheath really good and pressure fed 15-40 oil through it. I might also add that I replaced this cable a few months ago and still had the same problem. I Have a sneaky suspision that it is coming from a gear mount in the speedo itself. Is there a way to dissasemble the speedo?I can't see how to get the glass off without destroying the silver ring around it.

 

I totally had this problem with my 81 xj. I lubed all of the cables and mounts and it still squeeled. I ended up getting into the gauge cluster and squirting a bunch of lube stuff behind both the speedo and tach gauge faces. The squeel went away and it hasn't been back since. Good luck trying to dissasemble the speedo I'm not sure how you would do that on your bike.

 

The squeeling could also be coming from where the speedo cable connects to the instrument panel. I had that problem with mines and all i did was spray some chain lube up into where the speedo cable goes. I havent had a problem since.

 

I finally got around to takeing everyones advice and all I can say is thank you. I removed my speedo cable from the speedo housing and sprayed PB Blaster in the housing where the cable mounts to the housing. Yhe noise went away almost completely almost immediately. I will remove the speedo and lube the input housing more thoroughly in the near future. Thanks again.