Speedometer Problems - 1979 CJ5

[Trigger]

Day 2 of CJ5 ownership....my speedometer didn't work, and I knew my cable was broken. I ordered a replacement cable, and installed it last night. I had to remove the speedo gear to get the broken end of the cable out of it. After I replaced the cable and reinstalled the speedo gear, I took it for the test drive. It registed a speed, but never returned to zero. The mileage counter continues to work though, which suggests I simply need a new gauge. Anyone have experience with this?

 

[IOPort51]

How far off zero is it?

Jeep speedometers are very rarely ever correct, over sized tires, ratio changes etc. I would check it against another vehicle and see how close it was and if it was consistent and then just do the math in your head.

this is with the idea that with a little exercise the problem may correct itself. I think I would avoid spraying WD 40 at the mechanism.

Day 2 of CJ5 ownership....my speedometer didn't work, and I knew my cable was broken. I ordered a replacement cable, and installed it last night. I had to remove the speedo gear to get the broken end of the cable out of it. After I replaced the cable and reinstalled the speedo gear, I took it for the test drive. It registed a speed, but never returned to zero. The mileage counter continues to work though, which suggests I simply need a new gauge. Anyone have experience with this?

 

[Trigger]

My old one was never correct either, but this one is stuck on 40 mph now....even after an hour in the garage, the needle hasn't returned to zero. The mileage counter still works though. I guess something in the speedometer mechanism is stuck

 

[Les]

Sounds like you do have a problem that is internal to the speedo, so replacing it is probably your easiest option.

 

[IOPort51]

Yea, I was thinking maybe 5 mph but 40 is a bit much. Of course you could hook a drill motor up to the broken cable end and run it backward for a while see what happens. Hate to drop $60 or $70 on a speedo if you don't have to.

 

[Trigger]

Thanks, that is a good idea. I'll do that after church today. Thanks again!

 

[Trigger]

I ended up with a new cable and speedo cluster. It works for ~15 minutes and then goes crazy. Its like the cable is binding up? It starts to click and make noises and jump around 5-10 mph. Even when stopped, it will pop around 5-10 mph and then stop. Do I need to lube the cable somehow? If so, with what?

 

[mtnwhlr]

Did you buy a aftermarket speedo? If so where was it made? I think it is better to find a good factory one most aftermarket ones are .

 

[Trigger]

It was an aftermarket...from quadratec.com. Here is the link:

Original Replacement Parts J5761110 - Replacement Speedometer Cluster (5-85 MPH) for 80-86 Jeep® CJ-5, CJ-7 & CJ-8 Scrambler - Quadratec

Where can I buy a good factory one?

 

[mtnwhlr]

I see them on Ebay all the time or do you have junkyard that deals in Jeeps by you. I buy stuff from Quadratec too but I think alot of what they sell any more is cheap China . I seam to be using the word "" alot tonight, thats what I think of most artermarket stuff out there anymore.

 

[Torxhead]

Trigger, you did lubricate that speedo cable with the proper type of lubricant correct? and maybe you should check the drive hole on the Transfer Case speedo gear.

 

[Trigger]

What do I line it with? I did not

 

[Trigger]

Lube it with

 

[thiswontbetooexpensive]

Lube it with

Do we need to send someone to check on you?

It would appear that you didnt get to finish that post and I was pretty interested in the answer!

 

[CJ]

You can get a silicone or graphite lube / oil at just about any auto parts or hardware store. -->> Dorman Champ 9-1812 - Speedometer Cable Lubricant | O'Reilly Auto Parts

I've even used a bit of regular oil in a pinch but that tends to drip more than the graphite oil. Keep a little tube around, youll find that you will use more that on a speedo cable...

 

[Trigger]

Thanks for the help. I didn't lube it with anything but will tonight. Sorry for the incomplete post...big fingers little smartphone keyboard

 

[Trigger]

Just picked up this from the local O'Reilly. Thanks for the tip....I had no idea the cable needed any special lubricant. This forum is priceless!

 

[thiswontbetooexpensive]

Thanks for the tip....I had no idea the cable needed any special lubricant. This forum is priceless!

Agreed. I WISH I knew as much about CJ repair as some of you have forgotten about it!



This won't be too expensive Dear! That's what I keep saying. Over and over again.

 

[CJ]

You don't HAVE to use a good graphite or silicone lube but it does help the cable last longer and help keep the needle from bouncing. The stuff works great in places that will need a small amount of lube for a long time that are a pain to get to. Also look for dry film lube or dry graphite for things like sticking door lock tumblers, seat sliders, door hadle joints, window trancks - just about anything you can think of.

 

[73CJ]

Had the same issue years ago with a new cable. Lubed it, more like drown it and all was good for years.

Good luck.