Reproduction Parts for 1916-1964 Chevrolet Passenger Cars & 1918-1987 Chevrolet & GMC Trucks
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My truck speedometer didn’t work when I got it. I found the speedometer cable all kinked and twisted under the truck. I took it out and replaced it with standard length replacement from Jim Carter. Routed it down firewall and by frame. No real tight turns or anything onto the transmission. Took it out, was great for about 1 mile and heard snap. Found it had broken the cable about 1” from the transmission fitting. I thought maybe I need the longer speedo cable, so bought another one routed it nice and no tight bends, etc… today took it out and same thing. Lasted about a 1/2 mile and snap… literally about same 1” from the transmission it frayed and snapped.
Thoughts?
Was your speedometer working normally and not making noise before it snapped? Did you lubricate the cable? Something is binding. First thought is the speedometer itself. Second is the cable being dry and building up heat until it snapped. Others may have additional ideas.
7046 old site posts
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1938 Master Business Coupe-Sold, now living in New Jersey
1953 210 Sedan
Did you replace just the inner cable? If so perhaps the outer housing has a pinch spot or defect . It could have a piece of the old cable embedded in the housing. I would remove the cable and housing assembly and inspect the housing.
7472 old site post
I did lubricate the cable about 2/3, not closest to the speedometer.
no noise but right before it snapped/broke.
i replaced whole speedometer cable, not just inner cable.
Any value in trying a 90 adapter? I also read where may be binding in the Speedo on the tranny and binding it. Thoughts?
I'm no expert. I'm just going with life experiences. I have no history with tranny gears and adapters.
7046 old site posts
Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet
There are many good people. If you can't find one, be one.
1938 Master Business Coupe-Sold, now living in New Jersey
1953 210 Sedan
I suspect that the Speedometer head has a resistance. You can check it with a piece of broken internal cable and a variable speed drill. Start the drill as slowly as you can and note if the cable coils like a venomous snake. That at least means the Speedometer head needs to be lubricated. There are a few old Speedometer technicians out there. Many larger cities have speedometer shops that might be able to help. If that does happen there are some that advertise online or can be found with a search.
How sweet the roar of a Chevy four
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