Date:         Fri, 3 Dec 2010 05:49:35 -0800
Reply-To:     Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Don Hanson <dhanson928@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Speedo still noisy on cold mornings
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

   I recently replaced my original speedo cable, trying to quiet my speedo.
  No luck.  Still goes "Scritch skritch skritch skritch......" when ever the
temp is below about 32f.

 Before installing the new cable, a single piece unit from BD,  I lubed it
with some graphite "Lock Ease" by hanging it and squirting the liquid into
the end that fits the speedo, then putting some compressed air into that end
to help the lube down through the cable.  Maybe that was a mistake?  I  also
noticed the square end of the inner cable, inside that white clip fitting
that snaps onto the speedo head unit, that seems to come out of the cable
casing at a slight angle.  As you rotate the other end (the part that is
captured in the hub cap) the head-end, that seems to describe a slight
'orbit' as it rotates.

  Is this a poor cable, ya think?   I really don't see how that end, being
way down inside the clip-on fitting, could have been bent or damaged.  But
it certainly did not look perfectly centered as it emerged from the cable
housing.   I am thinking perhaps that is the source of my noise...or should
I just go on Samba or somewhere and find yet another speedo head and hope
that will be good, or even...gasp!..get one that is rebuilt?

  What is up with sometimes getting VW parts that are crap right out of the
box?  Not saying this cable is, for sure, but in the past few years I have
bought a number of faulty brand new parts for my van and for a Beetle I
reworked, parts that were just plain inoperative, right out of the brand new
box...So now I am doubting the cable I just got...

.It makes it difficult when you can't really "count on" getting a viable
part....

  Don Hanson