Bouncy speedo needle?

[boogiedude]

I've got a bouncy speedo needle. The lower the speed, the more dramatic the bounce, but the odd thing is that as soon as I hit about 45, the needle steadies itself completely. No vibration, no bounce nothing. But as soon as it falls back below 45 it resumes. I've got a new cable in it and I've tried removing it and refitting it on both end and its always persisted. I've also gone down the length of it and made sure the cable was as straight as possible so I dont think It's a kink, but I suppose it is possible.

Any ideas?

[azygoustoyou]

When I decided to paint my needle, someone suggested it would make it bounce. I haven't got the car moving so I don't know if it does. Was your needle painted?

[Catlover]

hey mine does that too! i got used to it and "guesstimate" my speed

[azruss]

sounds like your cable needs lube. may want to disconnect it at the tranny and turn it by hand and see if it is smooth.

[TX82FIAT]

Cable lube.. Also, check the attachment of the cable on the back of the speedo. The tip if not fully inserted or partially broken on the cable can cause the bounce. Sometimes it will bounce for some time. My experience has ben bounce for a while and then failure of the speedo. I had an 83 that bounced for three years before cable tip broke.

[Tobi]

My needle started that after I replaced the speedo and I am sure it is a not perfect connection to the cable.

[boogiedude]

Thanks for the responses. I'll try lubing it and see if that helps. A few drops of motor oil down into the sheath?

[rlux4]

Oil may gum it up. Auto parts stores carry a special speedometer cable lubricant that is less viscous.
Ron

[TulsaSpider]

probably the nose of the cable that goes into the back of the speedo isn't straight. I have been battling with mine. I have put two cables in in the last two weeks.. grumbles.. never can get them to crimp right