Jumpy Speedometer - Any Fix?

[01]

So my speedometer works, verified with GPS that its fairly accurate as well, but it seems to randomly jump up and down.

i will be going a constant 70mph, and the needle will randomly fall and jump around to 65mph-75mph..

just wondering if there is a way to stabilize the needle, such as needle preload.. or if this is caused by a bad cable or cluster gear.


if not i can live with it, not a huge deal... just annoying at times.

[goosler]

could be a bad cable.....I had that happen a few rabbits ago, bouncy bouncy snap.

[the-vwjedi]

mine is the same, I assume it is binding inside the cable housing causing moments of increased friction. My plan is to replace when it snaps.

Maybe try a dry graphite compound lubricant sprayed down the cable.

[deathhare.]

If you pull the cable out of the transmission you can grab the gear on the end of the cable and rotate the cable by hand to see if it rotates smooth or if its rough and grabbing inside the housing.

One bolt, takes two seconds to remove.

[WackyWabbitRacer]

Speedometer cable needs lub....

Cheers, WWR.

[01]

Thanks guys

[rabbitnothopper]

if your cable has any tears in the outer plastic then its definately rusted
replace it instead of wasting time greasing it

you could use 3-in-one oil or graphite as that works best

definately recommend removing it completely to check for cracks in the plastic

removal also allows for complete cleaning and lube

[tutjohnson]

My 03 Jetta does this around 65 mph. It will keep going faster but the speedo reads 65. I have to use a GPS when I go on trips so I know how fast I,m going.
After talking with the parts counter at our local VW dealer I was told the plastic gear inside the final drive is cracked and slips on the shaft after everything gets warmed up. I ordered the parts now trying to find out if I have to pull the tranny to fix. The parts guy says it can be replaced without removing the tranny.

[crsmp5]

03 electric... junk cluster...

pull your cluster out.. jack up 1 wheel off ground... put in REVERSE and spray some good oil down the cable as the wheel turns at idle.. why reverse you ask... the cable spins wrong direction and will not take oil in forward gears..

[Bowcaster]

My speedometer just started doing this. I wasn't watching my speed and went from 70 to maybe 85. When I slowed down it started to bounce. Could it be that the gear got pulled down and off the cable? Or is the only reason this would happen a sticky cable?