review: low quality speedo cable

I just bought and installed a "2nd quality" speedo cable in my '72 SB. Somebody might find this opinion useful just in case he/she is thinking about doing the same. The cable connects easily to the wheel and speedo but when I start driving, the speedo needle oscillates constantly about 2mm to each side. Personally I don't mind very much, but I think somebody could find it bothering.

Ant

Reply to
Ant
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I had a case of this a ways back, I found that much of the oscillation went away after putting some silicon lubricant down the speedo cable, and lubing up the gears of the speedo itself.

Probably not a cure-all but it's worth exploring.

Reply to
Seth Graham

Sometimes it's the connection at the wheel - if the cap is crooked, it will do this, and if the cable isn't free running coming out the back side, it kinks when turning. The exact routing leading into the speedometer is critical too. There can be no point where binding is allowed to happen - generally it is a routing problem and sometimes a lubrication problem. I seriously doubt it is a problem with the quality of the cable unless it already had a kink in it when you purchased it.

-- Dave "Busahaulic" Pears> > The cable connects easily to the wheel and speedo but

when I start

2mm to each side.

oscillation went

cable, and lubing

Reply to
Busahaulic

Most of the manuals fail to mention that after installation you should adjust the position of the cable housing in the steering knuckle. Grab it just where it exits the knuckle and push/pull it in and out. Then position it halfway in between.

If you don't do this, the center wire may well be at one extreme of its free play, which can cause it to drag and cause these exact symptoms. While this may not be your problem, it's worth checking first.

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----------------------------------------------- Jim Adney snipped-for-privacy@vwtype3.org Madison, WI 53711 USA

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Reply to
Jim Adney

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