Vanagon speedometer twitchy

[mcolby]

My new (to me) 87 Vanagon has a 'twitchy' speedometer (i.e. needled jumps around when driving).

Figured that if I was lucky, a little lubrication on speedo cable would do the trick.

Was planning to use some type of graphite lubricant...

Any ideas/thoughts/insights, etc?

Thanks

[dobryan]

Yep. Cable hanging up internally.

You can also try removing the instrument cover and while driving safely make adjustments to the alignment of the speedo cable behind the cluster. You may find a happy place for it to work.
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Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2010 Subaru EJ25 (Vanaru) and Peloquin TBD

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[bobbyblack]

Not that I endorse any specific vendor, however, one of them has this note in their Fitment/Install doc..

Installation Note: It is suggested to lube the cable prior to installation by spraying some high temp lubricant like HHS-K Spray Grease down the cable, through the sheath, to ensure proper operation of the cable.
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'87 Westy 'Flossie','86 Westy 'R1','86 tintop GL - Subi2.2 'J2','83.5 stock tintop L 'ZoomBus','74 Karmann Ghia, '63 Notch

[SlowLane]

Issue came up recently on IAC. See if it fits your symptoms:
https://www.itinerant-air-cooled.com/viewtopic.php?f=78&t=13878
_________________
Present:
'81 Westfalia: 2L, manual. Originally Canadian, now Californiated
Back in the day:
'72 Super Beetle
'69 Camper Van - Corvair powered
'71 Window Van - Transferred Corvair from '69

"With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine." - Internet RFC 1925

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[vegpedlr]

Can also be the fittment of the speedo cable into the dust cap at the hub. If the hole in the cap is wearing out, the needle may get jittery.
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1985 Tintop 4 sp GW 2.3 “Connie”
2006 Mk V GTI 2.0 FSI “Penelope”

[ZsZ]

in my case the needle bounces even with a new cable and dust cap. I assume the cable is too tight behind the headlight as I have a headlight washer with a thick hose that rubs on the cable
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Zoltan
1.9 MTdi 2wd Multivan (ex Caravelle)
Van since 2006, engine since 2008

[sjbartnik]

Yeah check out the cable routing, you want to minimize tight curves as much as possible.
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1965 Volkswagen 1500 Variant S
2000 Kawasaki W650

[teej]

Our van had this symptom also. I did all the things already mentioned, and one that hasn't:

Following a thread I found somewhere, I carefully removed the speedo from the cluster, pried off the needle, and re-attached using greater return spring pre-load. A little risky considering the age of the plastic parts. But it worked a charm--needle rock steady at all speeds and as a bonus, it reads true to speed instead of 6-8mph faster than actual. Stock diameter tires.

That was about 10 years ago, still working steady and true.
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1986+ Wolfsburg Weekender Pop-Top 2.3 WBX Manual Trans

[mcolby]

Thanks to all for your suggestions, ideas, experience, et cetera.

In particular, I will check cable routing, and also use the mentioned Wurth HHS-K spray lubricant... (From previous experience a while back, I think that it can be magic.)

Cheers.

[SCM]

Another option for this extremely common occurrence is to consider it part of the vehicle’s charm and not do a thing about it. I’m “fixing” more and more things with this method lately.
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'91 Westfalia GL Automatic (GTA "Turbo" Rebuild w/Peloquin) and 2.3L GoWesty Engine

[MarkWard]

Cruise control requires a fairly steady needle. I went down a long expensive path with our 82. Bought a new cable and dust cap from the vendor on the east coast. Was actually worse. Sent the head out to a speedo repair shop. $175 later clean and lube, no problem found. Installed speedo still a wobbly needle.

I had it. I removed the dust cap and connected my drill to the cable. Sure enough wobbly needle. Pulled cable out of spindle. Still wobbly. Pulled cable out front of van and tested. Still wobbly. Bought a replacement cable from a vendor on the west coast and retested but in reverse. Passed every test with my drill. Installed the dust cap and clip and road test. Perfectly smooth needle and smooth cruise control.

Both cables seemed to be of similar quality. The cable that worked had an orange sheathing.

[dreaming_of_traveling]

I have the same problem!

I was going to take the speedometer to be rebuilt at some point, but I will try these tips instead.

What is the best way to see if the cable is turning? Just finding a safe place to drive and, with the cable disconnected, see it if turns?

[vegpedlr]

Remove the dust cap to access the speedo cable end and attach a drill. It’s kinda cool to watch your van hit 100 mph in the driveway.
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1985 Tintop 4 sp GW 2.3 “Connie”
2006 Mk V GTI 2.0 FSI “Penelope”