Jumping Speedo Needle

[RangerXLTMan]

Maybe some of you guys have had this problem too. The needle on my speedometer bounces around below 40 mph then acts normal above that speed. I have changed the speedometer by putting in a spare gauge panel but the problem is the same. I was thinking of changing the gear at the transmission end of the cable next but I'm just guessing at this point. Any suggestions would be welcomed. My truck is a 1970 F100 Ranger XLT. Thanks.

[WhitsEnd]

I have the same problem on my 1970. I installed a new cable this weekend and no change.

[Madman]

I think this is very common. My old man said his did that straight from the factory.

[hazelnut]

I had one that did it years ago and pulled out the cable and wiped it with graphite, And put some graphite into the cable sleeve.

It fixed the jumping needle, I guess the cable was having a hard time turning in the casing and the graphite helped smooth it out.

[Subzero]

My 72' does this, thank you for the tip. Glad it's an easy fix

[59yblockf100]

old,we would pull the cable out wipe it down with bearing grease,reinstall it,seem to always work,sometimes the tip of the cable gets wore down,check that,speed gauge cables don't turn fast,they barely turn,

[RangerXLTMan]

Thanks guys for your suggestions. My truck has two cables, one from the dash that goes into a box on the firewall, and then a longer one that goes to the transmission. I guess I'll have to grease both of them and see if that does the trick.

[Jacksdad]

Had this happen on a couple of vehicles, and pulling the speedo cable and lubing it always fixed it. It jams, winds up and then releases, hence the jumping needle. Sometimes they "chirp" when they stick too. Good luck