Greasing speedo cable?

[62lwbc10]

Got a new speedo cable from classic parts and I am told I need to pack it with grease before I install it. can someone please tell me how to do this, what grease to use, etc?

Thanks,
Mark

[NEWFISHER]

I have always pulled the cable from the housing, put some latex gloves on, grabbed a tablespoon of bearing grease and liberally worked the cable from one end to another then slid it back into the housing. I have never done specifically an A.D. truck, but works great on everything else that pulls out of a housing.

[62lwbc10]

Damn I would have never thought to do this. I will check to see if the cable itself will easily pull out of the outer cable. Thanks for the info.

[mr48chev]

It only comes out the top. I usually use white lithium grease. It's what I was taught to use 50 years ago and so far it's worked fine but just about any grease will work as long as it isn't too thick.

[OrrieG]

I use white litihium too, doesn't get hard over time and attacts less dirt. Take it easy on the speedo end, you do not want to get any into the mechanism.

[_Ogre]

don't pack it full, just a coating on the cable, you don't want any grease to work it's way into the speedo head
i agree with using lithium grease but i've used wheel bearing grease before

speedo cables usually come as a cut to fit, the cut and crimp end won't fit through the housing
what ever end you install it from is what ever end it will go in and out of
i installed mine from the bottom, so it comes out the bottom

[1project2many]

I have a tube of special speedo cable grease here bought through the GM dealer... Darvex, IIRC. It's a lightweight grease that doesn't get thick in cold weather. Also was recommended grease for auto locking hubs of the '80s.

[62lwbc10]

Thanks alot guys. One other thing, what is the correct path for the cable from the tranny to the cluster? I was originally going to use one of the holes on the firewall where I have other stuff coming thru (temp sender, various wires, etc), but now am thinking that is not correct and one of the "other" points of entry on the firewall should be used. Please let me know and thanks alot in advance.

Mark

[_Ogre]

i ran my speedo cable thru the same opening and on top of my steering column, same with my oil pressure line
this was more to reduce the visual impact going thru the my smoothed and shaved firewall

[Russell Ashley]

It originally came through one of the larger holes up near the firewall seam. You can route it like you want to but don't bend it too sharply, and also it should approach the speedometer cluster at a fairly straight line. Just keep it where the cable can turn smoothly in the housing.

[62lwbc10]

Thanks. I installed it today and it doesnt work. I took the connector off the speedo end and drove the truck and see that the cable is not spinning. Must be an issue at the tranny end. WHat can it be? I was told this is a universal cable. I have a turbo 350 tranny. wrong speedo gear housing at the tranny end?

[mr48chev]

I'd take the cable loose and hang the end down under the dash so I could see the end and drive down the street and see if it turns. You shouldn't have to go very far.

The correct way to insert the cable in the housing is from the top. there should be enough cable sticking out of the housing on the bottom to go in the square hole in the gear a ways.

You can usually reach up with your fingers and turn the end of piece on the speedometer that the cable goes in so that you will know if the needle moves an if you turn it enough it should advance the odometer 10th mile indicator. That will let you know that the speedometer and odometer work.

[62lwbc10]

Thanks Mr48. I left the cable in the tranny and disconnected it from the speedo and drove and the cable is not spinning. Not sure what is going on. Not sure I understood your suggestion to reach up and turn the speedo by hand to see if speedo/odometer work?

[Highsider]

I am guessing the inner cable broke again.
I went to NAPA and got one for around $12 for my '57.
Let us know how it turns out.