Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

Hi Driving my 55 clipper custom today and out of the blue the speedometer was working erratically and making a kind of loud whirring/screech type of sound ! Anyone had this type of problem and is there a cure without replacing the unit. Thanks Missedgear

It could be a dry or kinked cable. If cable has been installed in housing correctly, you can unscrew the housing from the speedo end and pull the cable out from the top. Just be careful not to let it hit and stain the upholstery. If backwards, then has to come from below.

Once out, clean and check it for kinks or frayed wires. You can lay it flat and roll it, looking for a smooth action at each end or you can also hold it in the middle and let it hang while rolling it between your fingers. Any jerky or whipping motion at the ends and a kink is possible. If you find one or any frayed wires, universal cable replacement kits you cut to size are available. If OK, then regrease the bottom two thirds with a graphite based speedometer cable lube and reinsert it in the housing.

The speedometer is also very likely in need of lube. The best way is to remove it from cluster (5 screws), take the back off and clean & relube the gear train with a small amount of lubriplate or similar light grease. The bushing where cable attaches is probably dry as well. There is an oil hole near the threaded portion with a felt wick inside. A few drops of light oil in the hole and a dab around edge of cable housing where shaft turns should be used and worked into the bushing. Be careful not to get too much that it drips into the front face area.

Don't keep driving and let it get worse. Once it starts happening, the needle can bounce so violently it will break off. Several have had that experience. If you do need to drive before you can service it, unscrew the housing and let it hang to the side so speedo isn't being driven.

There is a thread herehttps://packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?post_id=105990#forumpost105990 on one just recently done and a few photos.

Thanks Howard, Took the cable off at the back of the speedometer, slipped it out it had no obvious flat spots so cleaned/greased it. Before putting it back in i managed to get under the dash and drip some oil into the small lube hole you mentioned at the back of the unit, took the car for a run and the speedometer was quiet and also no shaking of the dial. Thanks for your advice in this it is really appreciated. Missedgear