Re: Speedo problems

Posted by fred kanter On 2010/11/29 15:53:58

The "whipping" of the speedometer needle is caused by the temporary "winding up" of the speedo cable, then momentary release. It can be caused by lack of lurbrication in either the speedo or the cable, impossible to tell.

All Packard speedos form 1935 up and probably earlier have a tiny lubrication "cup" just above wherethe cable attaches.
It can be lubricated without removing hte speedometer, either with a 3 in 1 type can with a needle-like spout or an eye dropper.

Although you cannot see the oil cup in the '56 or even feel it, it is just below the screw that is just above the cable attachin point. A little extra oil slobbered there won't hurt anything.

Lube the cable, do NOT use any grease as many of them get thick when cold and will cause the same or worse problem. Unscrew the cable at the speedo, lower it beneath the dash and withdraw the caable core being careful to keep it from touching the seats or upholstery, it's ususlly greasy black.

Clean the core with solvent, then take some graphite in a plastic "squeeze tube" and put some into the speedo sheath,
then replace the core and reattach the cable

"Do it once and do it right" Good for 50,000 more miles, guaranteed.

Fred Kanter
Kanter Auto Products
Boonton NJ