It's true, I have worked on this bike more than I've ridden it. Glad I enjoy it. Anyway...

Second to last ride the speedometer needle jumped around quite a bit, but I "think" still gave me a general idea of how fast I was going.

Last ride 2 days ago the needle bounceded around between 10 and 30 mph, but that's it.

So, after looking through my beat up old manual, parts 1 and 2 of Donny's bibles, and many hours searching forums, I think I need to replace the speedometer cable and/or the drive unit at the front wheel. I ordered a new cable since the old one on the bike has a bit out of the sheath down by the wheel. I will try to ensure the new cable is as straight as possible so it doesn't happen again.

Any tips on replacing the cable that I should know of? I've never done this before and don't want to screw anything up.

If I do end up replacing the drive unit too, do I have to actually lift the bike and remove the front wheel?

Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

Another problem could be the speedometer. Inside the 540 series Stewart Warner speedometers just under the dial/face is a small nylon threaded sleeve called a "jewel". The jewel keeps the peg centered in the upper unit which holds the pointer/needle steady when working. Over the yrs the jewel becomes brittle and brakes, which will cause the pointer/needle to flop around when moving.

 

we use a very soft grease for speedo cables like bel ray makes - coat the inner cable top to bottom - the drive we use a grase gun and add just a bit to insure the like of it

those two items are cheap the speedo head is not good luck with it

 

On a slightly different note, does anyone know why a speedo wont climb past 55 mph even though you are going far faster? Cable is greased and there is no jumping around anywhere, just after about 55 it really doesn't go any faster. The odometer though works fine as well.

randy

 

You could have problems with upper and lower unit inside your speedometer. A few of the problems could be, the two screws holding the upper unit in place may have loosened up, dirt, dust or grease may have accumulated outside or inside the cup in the lower unit. These problems will cause an inaccurate mph reading, but the odometer will still register correct.
If you decide to have your speedometer repaired. John Bordas does excellent work and very reasonable.

John Bordas, ph# 303-420-4510,
email, j.bordas@att.net

 

But...removal of a "T" Speedo is/can be an issue...
The housing seems to be a Unit.
Start with a cable...If that don't work a Drive at the wheel is Not overly expensive..but, you do need to lift the front end and drop the front wheel...even slightly [enough to remove the Drive Unit].