Speedo cable grease

[SteveD]

Which type of grease should I use on the speedo cable? Searching the forum I found recommendations for graphite grease, LM grease and 3 in 1 oil. Does it matter?

TIA.

Steve.

[tvrgeek]

I would pick a synthetic, and as it is a square cable inside a round tube, one with a high metallic content. Red lithium I think woudl be my first choice.

[SteveD]

Thanks, my cable only has square ends which appear to be in good condition ie still square.
Steve.

[DJT]

Never seen a speedo cable that was square throughout it length. Usually square at each end, so that it connects with the drive gear and speedo head, but round so that it rotates within the outer sheath.

Lubrication is usually by light grease, but make sure you don’t apply too much at the speedo head end as it could migrate into the speedo mechanism.

[SteveD]

My copy of the ROM, section 88.30.07, says use grease not oil.
Is this out of date now?

[stag8manod]

My pick is a light smear of Silicone grease. It is very light and slippery. Don't use oil.
Cheers Ian A

[Bakdraft007]

My pick is a light smear of Silicone grease. It is very light and slippery. Don't use oil.
Cheers Ian A

Very interesting. On motorcycles, cables are always lubricated by oil. You can get specific tools to pressurise the oil through the cable and when you do, all sorts of dirt comes out. I dont see how you can clean/ lubricate the cable properly with grease... But I am not a car specialist.

Dave

[Phil S]

a very light grease and not much of it.
an old inner from a speedo cable is great for threading cables through things like boot lids or A and B pillors

[SteveD]

I've used Ian's suggestion of silicone grease. I'll see if it makes any difference to the fluctuating needle readings when I take the car out.
Thanks for the replies.
Steve.

[new to this]

I've used Ian's suggestion of silicone grease. I'll see if it makes any difference to the fluctuating needle readings when I take the car out.
Thanks for the replies.
Steve.

My brothers car had the fluctuating needle ,we replaced every thing , now its rock steady but think the main causes were speedo head ( speedy cables rebuilt that) and LD Parts upraded angle drive thats much better than normal one ( i did have to modify it tho )

Dave