Speedo Death howl temp. quieted

[Goetz]

Just Got a gauge cluster off ebay for 26 shipped Installed it, and the howl started at 15-25 mph. Rode around the block back in the garage, cowling off (again...) cable off, inner cable removed, shot a bunch of pj1 chain lube in the cable, put that back together, shot a bunch of chain lube in the speedo, no more howl, for now. Speedo cable is a brand new motion pro, and i dont think its the drive hub thing, it makes no noise on its own. anyways. just thought id share.

[andyb]

Isn't most chain lube designed to get sticky over time so it doesn't fling off?

Isn't a big deal to clean the cable again and relube it though if you get troubles.  The aftermarket cables are sold without any real lubricant on them, so some mid-heavy grease is a good idea.

[Goetz]

Sticky hm, I guess. I hope it sticks to the innards of the speedo. It was that or pb blaster, Ill probably take it all apart later and lube it appropriately. I was afraid people were going to start pulling over for my siren.

[FJmonkey]

If the internal bushing is worn the howl will return, lets hope that is not the case. How many miles were on the speedo?

[Goetz]

22k is that bushing replaceable? The original unit looked like a small bomb went off in it, cant really tell what's what.

[FJmonkey]

22k is that bushing replaceable? The original unit looked like a small bomb went off in it, cant really tell what's what.

There is a shop in SoCal that can rebuild them, so new is not required.

[Anti-Dive Dave]

Mine too has started this "howl", but only does it on speeds over 55mph.

The only way I can get it to stop, is to slow the bike down to around 10mph, then drive off again.

It's soooo loud, that it drowns out the engine noise.  I thought at first it was the top end bearings going!

I can't get at the gears in the speedo clock casing, due to all the screws rusted solid, and the plastic on the casing is weak - so I fear I may crack chunks off if I try.

Instead, I removed my speedo cable and took the inner out, filled the cable with 10/40 engine oil, re-inserted the inner and left overnight.

BUT - I SCREWED UP - I can't remember which way in the inner cable goes? 

I realise the thick part of the outer goes to the bottom of the bike (wheel end), but the inner has a brass nodule on it about an inch down.

Is this for the top end (clock end) with the theory that the nodule is to act as a stop?

Does it make a difference which way the inner cable goes?

Anyhoo - I can't say if it still howls, as I'm waiting for the snowploughs to salt the roads before I go out and break in my new tyre.

[Pat Conlon]

I've had the inner cable both ways and I don't think it matters.... There is a collar on one side of the inner cable and if you install that collar side next to the speedo, you can't pull the cable out for service unless you reach up under the fairing and unscrew the cable at the speedo....PIA
Therefore, I put the collar side down by the speedo drive (front wheel) so I can easily unscrew the connector and pull the inner cable out for it's annual lube.

Your efforts will only delay the inevitable, once the howl happens, no amount of lube will help it. The internal gears are buggered. You need the unit rebuilt. See the Files. The shop in San Diego does good work.

Cheers!  Pat

[fj1250]

Hi all,

I'm the seller of the gauge package with the howling speedo.
I sent Goetz an e-mail offering a replacement speedo as I have several in my garage.
Hopefully one of them will resolve the problem.

This is a case where the buyer should have contacted me (the seller) first.
If I hadn't stumbled across this post I wouldn't have known there was a problem.

FJ1250

[Goetz]

  wasnt trying to be rude
I am totally happy with your service, and really appreciate the effort you are going through.

[Pat Conlon]

 Good job Mike, shit happens, it's how you react that counts.....

[fj1250]

Goetz should receive his replacement speedo tonight.
If that one is trouble I'll send another.
Want my fellow FJ'ers to be happy with what they buy from me.
Mike

[Goetz]

Just got it, ill be installing it tonight after work, thank you.