Squealing Speedo... Options? Help!

On my 1982 xj750, the speedo makes a lot of noise and sqeals, and the needle jumps around quite a bit. I checked the cable, it was broken! I replaced it, and bam I have the same problem.

Rebuild or new gauges? I can't decide...

 

Remove the Cable.
Apply Silicone Spray Lubricant to the Outside Diameter of the Speedo Drive Spindle the Cable goes into at the Instrument.

Remove the Drive Cable.
Weight the bottom and hang the Sheath.
Using a Syringe, ... Shoot solvent into top opening of Sheath.
Collect the Solvent inn a Pail or Bucket.
Douche the Sheath several times.

Clean the Drive Cable
Lube the Sheath with Light Oil
SMEAR the Drive Cable with Synthetic Waterproof Grease.

Re-assemble.
••• Ear Syringe ••• "Little-baby Booger-sucker" •••

 

+1 on Rick's advise,

but to emphasise - - the noise is in the speedo drive "spindle" that needs oil. Synthetic motor oil (a few drops) would be my choice.

Do NOT use WD-40, as it may gum-up later.

And my Suzuki, with just 295 miles made "the noise" so it's not a wear factor - - the grease simply dries out.

 

Thanks guys, hopefully this will be the fix!

 

I think your cluster comes apart, allowing easy access to the instruments.

If the above-described ideas don't work, the instrument itself may need attention, have a look: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=15303.html

 

Hey, Thanks!

I had to pull out the speedo and re-lubricate, as well as greasing the cable! It worked like a charm, and now I can start to rack up some miles.

It's pretty crazy that lubrication can cause that many issues.

 

TIP:

When installing the cable (at both ends) hold the cable sheath with a small wrench (it has flats on the ferrule for a reason) when you tighten the collar.

If you don't, as you tighten the collar it will twist the cable sheath and effectively "wind it up" or pre-load it to COME UNSCREWED. I've known guys who simply could not figure out why their speedo or tach cable kept coming loose.

If the speedo cable decides to unscrew itself at the bottom, the inner will fall out in the road and your speedo will quit. And you won't be able to find the inner, or cars will run over it and ruin it. Don't ask me how I know this.

I had to learn it the hard way.