Speedometer bounces and noisy

[runsfar]

I just scored an '86 wagon with only 78,000 miles! It's in great shape, but there are a few issues I need to work on.

I did some searching here, but all I found were broken cable posts. My speedo still works, but the needle bounces, and it sounds like a wind-up toy. Is this a sign of impending failure, or do I just need to lubricate something?

Thanks in advance for your help.

John

[DAVE]

try lubricating or replacing the speedo cable that is what usually causes the needle bounce.
the cable is rubbing and binding in the cable housing

[vangremlin]

It could also be that the connection on the back of the speedometer is loose.  You should be able to reach up behind the dash to make sure that the nut attaching the cable is on tight.  Good luck!

[runsfar]

Thanks for the replies. It's finally a nice day. I'll be under the hood for a while.

[Nightpath]

It gets quite noisy and will eventually break if it's not lubricated. There's an actual lube for it, but if you want to make sure it's just lube try silicone spray or graphite, either with a nozzle. Just keep on spraying it in, should quiet the noise. That's what I had to do with my original.

If you're wondering, the cable is just a metal braided stiff cable in a sheathe. Nothing more, no electrical signals. Putting something in there that is decent with friction and heat is what you want long term.