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General TR Speedo Cable Lubrication

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RJS

RJS

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After 10 years I need to replace my speedo cable and angle drive. Not sure which failed first but, one definitely failed and took-out the other.

So, I have the new cable already. Just curious if I should lube the cable which spins inside the cover? I slid the cable part-way out of the cover and it didn't appear to have any lubrication on it at all. If I should lubricate it, what's the best lubricant?

Thanks

Bob
 
The answer is don't use too much!

There is a risk that grease will work up the tube and into the gauge.
Then it will fly about in there and gum it up.

In the UK we use a smear of CV joint grease mainly at the lower end of the wire.
 
We always used the dry graphite and never had any problem. Just put some done from the top connection, no need to go crazy with it.

Wayne
 
On the advice of a local speedometer rebuilder I have always used the same grease I use for wheel bearings -- I just get some in my hand and drag the cable thru it.

There are several choices that seem to work -- what doesn't work so well is 'nothing'.
 
I got a new tach drive for my old Bugeye so when I installed it I figured I would Lube the wire a little bit.
So I put some vasoline in my hand and smeared it on the wire. A few weeks later the tach stopped working so I took the tach apart and noticed the little spring inside was twisted.
I took the tach to the guys that repair tachs around here. When I came to pick it up they said the tach had graphite in it and thats what caused the spring to twist. I said how did that get in there sheepisly and left as soon as I could get out of there. Went home and completely dried off the wire and installed the tach. No problems after that.
 
The smiths pamphlet says to use a small amount of grease regularly. Check out page 8...

https://trtriumph.com/images/Smiths.pdf


I tried graphite, but the cable started chirping and the needle began bouncing. I relubed with wheel bearing grease and all has been great for years.
 
Gents,

Great info, thanks. It never ceases to amaze me the wealth of knowledge out there. CJD especially thanks for the Smiths doc. Great source, probably more than I ever wanted or needed to know. It will get read and saved for future reference.

Bob
 
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