Guage cluster and speedometer cable questions

[knightlife]

Originally Posted by CPNE

I can take apart 67-72 gauge cluster with my eyes closed but have never messed with the 73-87 variety. These questions pertain specifically to an 81 cluster with oil pressure, temp, and volt gauges. No tach.

I have a squeeky speedo cable and I want to lubrucate or replace it.

Questions:

1. It's difficult at best to reach in behind the cluster. Is it best to remove the cluster to gain access to wherer the speedo cable attaches? If not, what's the best way to access? If so, any tips on best way to pull cluster from front? (see question 3)

2. Does the speedo cable have a threaded attachment or is it clipped on? How do I detach from back of speedo?

3. If I do have to pull the cluster out from the front, what all is attached behind it? On 67-72, the oil pressure has a separate hard line to it. Is the 73-up oil guage electronic? Other than the possibility of a separate oil line, is there just a wiring harness to detach?

ok here goes-it!

1. reach up where your brake pedal is, as far up as your arm can probably reach (it is an utter pain in the ass but worth it). the speedo cable is a double clipped piece onto the back of the speedo, it is much easier reaching up, than taking the dash apart (trust me, dun it both ways ). use powdered graphite to lubricate it, a whole 1 oz tube should work

2. refer to above statement

3. the oil pressure gauge, you do have to disassemble the dash to do, its easy. I believe it was in 1982 that GM converted over from the oil fed oil sensor, to an electric oil pressure sensor (I could be wrong so dont quote me!)

hope those lil tidbits of intel help ya brudda!