Speedometer ticks

[lwheat]

I have an intermittent problem with my speedo.

On occasion it appears that a spring behind it is winding up and then it "ticks" to a higher speed and comes back to the right speed.

It looks somewhat like a catapult being wound up and then released.

Any suggestions as to the cause?

 

[kurtnkegger]

Sounds like the cable is starting to break, or binding. Is it an old cable?

 

[FJ40 Beast]

Could also be loose. Try tightening both ends. Works on my F 250, the clip on one end is loose.

 

[DSRTRDR]

I've had this happen when it was freezing outside - went away when the engine compartment got hot

 

[PixelWrangler]

The '72 I was driving in the mid eighties had that same "tick" for awhile. Then one day it went berserk and bounced up beyond 100 a couple of times before the needle broke off. Cracked me up for a few minutes then I realized my speedo was toast without the needle.

When I got my '75, the speedo cable was disconnected. I plugged it in and it worked but had the same jerky tick, so I disconnected it until I got a replacement cable. In the meantime I pulled the speedo apart cleaned it up and greased the odometer gears. Now everything works great!

Moral of this story is, take care of the tick or pay the price.

 

[Pearly]

Sounds like a sticky cable. I had something similar on mine - bought a new cable and bingo - smooth needle!

 

[Pighead]

'Cruiser speedos are very easy to take apart, clean and even put back together again. there are several threads...if cleaning and lubing the cable doesn't work, give it a try.