Cable or speedometer noise??

1600 Views 10 Replies 5 Participants Last post by pantera928, Apr 3, 2021

dmoran

Discussion Starter · Apr 1, 2021

Hey everyone,

I've linked a youtube video to see if I can get some feedback on the noise that the speedometer on my S3 started doing after taking it out of storage recently. I am hoping if some of you more experience friends out there can help me identify if I just need to replace/lubricate the cable or if my speedometer is done for.
Speedometer Noise Video

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alfaromeoblack

· #2 · Apr 2, 2021

Wow that is not good. Is the cable or the speedo? Cables are cheap and you want to replace it before it breaks in the transmission. It is a PITA to get the end out of it breaks. I had to do this job before and I had to remove the gear from the transmission and it was hard to reach the bolts.

I also went with a long S2 cable and remove the 30k counter. Free up some room in the engine compartment and just looks better.

Good luck.

PS
For a quick test remove the cable at the 30k counter to the speedo and see what happens.

Ken

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bianchi2

· #3 · Apr 2, 2021

the oem cables are garbge... a local speed shop can make you a much better one for about the same price.. with a thicker rubber/vinel cover

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dmoran

Discussion Starter · #4 · Apr 2, 2021

bianchi2 said:
the oem cables are garbge... a local speed shop can make you a much better one for about the same price.. with a thicker rubber/vinel cover

Thanks for the advise. I'll see what I can find in NJ.

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dmoran

Discussion Starter · #5 · Apr 2, 2021

alfaromeoblack said:
Wow that is not good. Is the cable or the speedo? Cables are cheap and you want to replace it before it breaks in the transmission. It is a PITA to get the end out of it breaks. I had to do this job before and I had to remove the gear from the transmission and it was hard to reach the bolts.

I also went with a long S2 cable and remove the 30k counter. Free up some room in the engine compartment and just looks better.

Good luck.

PS
For a quick test remove the cable at the 30k counter to the speedo and see what happens.

Ken

That's the thing, I replaced the 2 cables bypassing the little box about a year ago with a used cable from an S2. I am thinking maybe I should have cared more for the lubrication of the cable before installing it.

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pantera928

· #6 · Apr 2, 2021

dmoran said:
That's the thing, I replaced the 2 cables bypassing the little box about a year ago with a used cable from an S2. I am thinking maybe I should have cared more for the lubrication of the cable before installing it.

A quick lube would be a fast and inexpensive way to see if that cures it. Never heard a speedo sound like that but always a first.

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dmoran

Discussion Starter · #7 · Apr 2, 2021

pantera928 said:
A quick lube would be a fast and inexpensive way to see if that cures it. Never heard a speedo sound like that but always a first.

Whats the right lubricant and way to get it done??

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pantera928

· #8 · Apr 3, 2021

dmoran said:
Whats the right lubricant and way to get it done??

Good question. I would try a spray can of a light weight white lithium grease.
Others my have differing opinions.

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alfaromeoblack

· #9 · Apr 3, 2021

Do not spray or lube the cable to close to the head of the speedo.

Ken

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Gubi

· #10 · Apr 3, 2021

dmoran said:
Whats the right lubricant and way to get it done??

Dorman graphited cable lubricant. Grease will gum up over time, this is the right stuff to use.

Dorman Products - 04369

Flywheels and Flexplates

www.dormanproducts.com

You can usually just do it in the car...I think the S3 sender is pretty accessible. If you disconnect the cable sheath from the sender, you should just be able to pull the cable straight out of the sheath. Give it a good cleaning to remove any old lube, and then drip the cable lube onto it as you feed it back in.

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pantera928

· #11 · Apr 3, 2021

I figured others would have different ideas. I like the graphite.😊

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