Volvo RWD 444-544 Forum

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544 speedometer noise 444-544

the past couple days while driving my 544 when i had just taken off....the dash (speedometer) would make a grinding kind of noise...and the ribbon may jump 5-10 or drop that....then it would do it off and on for a couple minutes ...then stop....

does the speedometer need any kind of lubricating....whats going on?

thanks
abram








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    544 speedometer noise 444-544

    I would first check the speedo inner cable. Disconnect at the speedo and pull out the flexible inner cable. You may find it has a frayed part binding when it rotates, or is gunked up. Wipe it clean and lube lightly with Never Sieze or other graphite lubricant. Slide it back in and twist it so that the squared end fits into the drive.








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      544 speedometer noise 444-544

      Most likely the lubrication in the cable drive is drying out. IF the noise continued no matter what, then I'd also suspect the speedometer itself.

      BTW: The cable comes out the BOTTOM END of the housing. No need to undo at the top unless you have a lubricant that will flow down the cable before setting.

      You can crawl under the passenger's side and unscrew the bottom of the housing from the trans. There is no nut, just a knurled fitting that you should be able to unscrew by hand. Otherwise, a GENTLE persuasion with a pair of pliers will get it started for you.

      Pull the inner cable out and wipe off the old lube with a rag, watching for rough or frayed spots. If all appears OK, re-lube with a graphite lubricant that won't stiffen in cold weather. Re-insert, twisting until you feel the top end of the cable slip into the speedo fitting. Make sure you don't cross thread the trans fitting when you put it back on.

      If the old inner cable is frayed, you can get a generic replacement kit at any auto parts store. You'll need to carefully cut the new cable to length and install the little fitting on the end - it requires a hammer.

      Should cost about $9.00.

      Good luck!

      Steve








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    544 speedometer noise 444-544

    I do remember having a couple of these apart and the problem with both was in the gear box to the right of the barrel (or ribbon), the grease had hardend and the gears or at least one gear had stripped in both speedos. There are some good threads on this under "Pebee" odometer. I have also seen this noise caused by a bad speedo cable that sometimes will quiet down as it gets warm. ledfoot








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      544 speedometer noise 444-544

      the past couple days have been colder....im in eastern kansas....and as i drive it does go away. The cable was bought new this summer....i put an OD in my 544.

      Thanks for the replies...ill check it out tomorrow.

      abram








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        544 speedometer noise 444-544

        I've had the same problem with a pretty much new cable, even though I had lubed it with oil and anti-seize compound. I suspect that it may not have been seated properly where it goes into the speedometer housing, although it seemed to be. Anyway, it frayed just ahead of the swaged square end.
        Bob S.








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          544 speedometer noise 444-544

          Sometimes replacement cables can be a fraction of an inch too long. If it still makes noise, try grinding off about 1/8 inch from the instrument end.







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