Clicking Speedo - and wavering ...

Franklin

New Member
hi
the next job on the list is to fix the speedo, the needle wavers from approx the correct speed I'm doing at the time but clicks and flares upward and gets quicker as the speed increases. The clicking noise behind the speedo sort of tells me that is the problem, but from most of the old posts I've read, it appears to be the angle drive at the gearbox end ... could this noise be attributed to the angle drive at the speedo end or is the problem usually within the speedo itself?

An no, I haven't got to the shocks or the rear inertia belts yet ...
cheers franklin
 
Your description suggests it is the angle drive at the rear of the speedo. I had the same problem. The gears inside the right angle drive are nylon and when worn give wildly fluctuating readings and the clicking sound. To my surprise, a firm who deals in instruments had them in stock (here in NZ).
They fitted new ones and repacked the drive with grease.
 
excellent!
I'll chase an angle drive down for starters (anyone selling a new one?). I also have a sticking tacho needle, so will get some compressed air in there too (gently of course). All gauges work and I've just picked up a working clock, so I will be a happy camper for sure.
thanks for the quick reply, cheers franklin.
 
I had this after refitting my engine and box. Whilst fitting my Oil Gauge I regressed the angle drive and pulled out the cable from the outer part of the speedo cable. Cleaned it up and oiled it up. Reassembled it and all was well. Only took about 20 mins, that's on a strip dash. Guess almost the same for the more 'modern' needle dash.
 
Hi,
I had this problem with mine. It didn`t last long though. About 70 miles before the drive went ping! Good luck fitting it behind the dash.
Drew
 
rightio - thanks guys for the other tips (fingers crossed it lasts longer than 70 miles!). i've managed to get a reconditioned angle drive so will grease the cable whilst the dash is out (yep, the bottom two thirds only) and fit it all back together, hopefully this weekend other jobs (ie chores) permitting ...
cheers franklin
 
an update ...
well, an easier job than I first anticipated ... the old angle drive was well worn and sloppy though still working, the recond unit nice and tight ... soooo ... in goes the 'new' one (speedo cable already greased and it turned with a minimal of binding), but its still clicking, but not as fluctuating as badly as before, methinks the speedo now needs a birthday. And of course, our Aussie speedos (not the togs/swimmers/bathers variety) are in kph, not mph (though the mph are in a smaller font on the inside of the dial), so getting a UK one isn't an option unless I swap the faces. Back to the drawing board.

It did get a nice 120km round trip yesterday ... didn't miss a beat according to my brother who drove it ... I got to drive my MII Escort 'Sundowner' panel van with 4 speed and 2 litre, all factory original - now does that fly!
cheers Franklin
 
interesting Threads . having annoying a clicking behind dash ( speedo area) assumed a frayed dry cable? as it varies in line with road speed. needle not exactly stable as slight surging .. just stripped partly and removed. angle drive unit. that seems easy to turn and no noise.. so going to try a smidgen of lube down cable and see if I can squeeze a wee bit in gear box angle drive. refit and see what occurs! noise is exasperating wife. though have noticed its not so noisy when. driving On hot days! note same name above as myself (Franklin , small world as also a Franklin up in Norfolk with a rover P6 ) so that's 3 of us! lol
 
Remove and inspect the inner cable if you already have the speedo head and upper angle drive removed. If it's OK lightly lubricate it with grease and refit.
 
Check that the inner cable isn't kinked. To check it, take it out then hold it between both hands allowing it the droop in the middle like a horseshoe shape and slowly revolve between fingers . It should turn evenly holding its shape without any kinks or other misshapes.
 
Hi, As well as suggested make sure any support clips or passage through body shell holes or too tight a turn are not impacting the outer sleeve. Because it can pinch the inner and cause resistance which builds up and then releases causing the wavering and will eventually break the inner.

Colin
 
greased and lightly oiled speed angel drive and end of cable . used a spare cable to it to drive and spun up with. drill no speedo needle movement? have refitted all now waiting a road test. just wondering if I've buggered speedo or something at moment . weekend test round block will reveal.
 
agree. span wrong way. have now c hinged speedo cable for new ..but still clicking ..goes up with road speed increases. think will try disconnecting cable at gearbox end..see if. noise goes? checked 'angle' drive at. speedo clock end and cannot fault it.
 

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