Wavering Speedometer Needle

[ctv283k]

The speedometer in my '72 911T wavers by as much as 20mph throughout the range. I understand it is not at all easy to remove the cable for lubrication or replacement purposes. Does anyone know if there is a method of lubricating the cable from one end (the instrument end is the easiest to access), with the cable in situ? Cliff

 

[Mike_Pollock]

Hi
I dont know much about early 911s but if the needle is wavering that much, the cable tends to need replacing (sometimes it is possible to replace just the inner).
It maybe worthwhile checking the routing of the cable for any damage to the outer.
On my early 944 the cable is driven from the front n/s wheel and if yours is similar, suspension components can rub, damaging the plastic outer and allowing water in - at least that was my problem!
Good luck
Mike

 

[vitesse]

It is still possible to buy a cable oiler device normally used by motorcyclists which seals onto normal & speedo cables ,you then fill it with a suitable lubricant--light oil-silicone fluid etc & use a bike pump/footpump/low air pressure airline to force the oil down the cable.

 

[Robin]

The speedo cable is driven from the front of the gearbox near the gearchange linkage and is difficult to access. The front end is easier, you could make a funnel around the end of the speedo end of the cable by using masking tape or gaffer tape and support the end so you can fill the "funnel" with light oil (engine oil) and let it drain into the cable overnight. If that does not work and the speedo is still wavy it might be that the cable inner is damaged and may need replacing. You should be able to change just the inner providing it is not damaged, if you have to change the outer as well - good luck it is quite a job to install it along the "transmission" tunnel.

 

[ctv283k]

My thanks to Mike, Vitesse and Robin for taking the time to offer solutions. I'm going to give Robin's advice a go before my holiday trip to Germany and Austria in late August. I know I can use the rev counter for speed limit adherance, it's just that the wavering needle is a visual pain. I had it on good authority that a cable replacement is a real swine of a job - just trying to see the gearbox end is difficult and I know how difficult it can be to get the fine threaded collar successfully engaged from changing cables on my road rally Riley 1.5 - and that's with easy access. If the lube doesn't work I'll try the replacement of the inner.

Thanks again,

Cliff

 

[BAN430G]

I have this same problem, will be interested to hear how you get on.